Official figures — October 2026. These are the confirmed prices published by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), effective Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Petrol 93 rose 312 c/l, petrol 95 rose 333 c/l, diesel 500ppm rose 284 c/l, diesel 50ppm rose 324 c/l and illuminating paraffin rose 358 c/l. The previous official prices took effect on 2 September 2026.
The wholesale diesel price is the regulated price at which fuel companies sell diesel in bulk. From 7 October 2026 it is R32.80 per litre for 50ppm and R31.95 for 500ppm in Gauteng. The pump price is not regulated.
Wholesale Diesel Price Explained: current diesel price
| Diesel grade | Inland wholesale | Coastal wholesale | Change on 7 October 2026 |
| Diesel 50ppm (0.005% sulphur) | R32.80 | R31.93 | Up R3.24 |
| Diesel 500ppm (0.05% sulphur) | R31.95 | R31.08 | Up R2.84 |
What is in the wholesale price
| Component (cents per litre) | Diesel 500ppm | Diesel 50ppm |
| Basic fuel price | 2213.63 | 2298.03 |
| General fuel levy | 416 | 416 |
| Road Accident Fund levy | 225 | 225 |
| Wholesale margin | 99.17 | 99.17 |
| Zone differential (transport to Gauteng) | 91.1 | 91.1 |
| Slate levy | 87.66 | 87.66 |
| Secondary storage | 39 | 39 |
| Secondary distribution | 19.1 | 19.1 |
| Customs and excise duty | 4 | 4 |
| IP tracer levy | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Petroleum products levy | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Price (c/l) | 3,195.49 | 3,279.89 |
Source: composition of the price in Gauteng for 7 October to 3 November 2026, from the media statement released by the Central Energy Fund on behalf of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources on 2 October 2026.
50ppm vs 500ppm diesel
The two grades carry identical levies and margins. The whole difference, 84.4 c/l in October 2026, is in the basic fuel price: low-sulphur diesel costs more on international markets.
Inland vs coastal diesel price
Inland wholesale diesel is 87.2 c/l above the coastal price, the same zone difference that applies to petrol.
Wholesale vs pump-price context
The composition has no retail margin for diesel. Each service station adds its own, so the price on the pump is higher than the wholesale price and differs between stations. Fleets and farms buying in bulk are usually quoted against the wholesale price.
Diesel forecast and history
Wholesale diesel is at its highest since at least 2012. For the monthly record, see diesel price history South Africa.
Related prices, forecasts and tools
- Diesel price South Africa
- Diesel price history South Africa
- Diesel cost calculator
- Fleet diesel cost calculator
- Fuel price breakdown
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no official diesel pump price?
Because only the wholesale price is regulated. Retailers set their own diesel margin.
Does wholesale diesel include the fuel levy?
Yes: 416 c/l of general fuel levy and 225 c/l of Road Accident Fund levy.
When does the price change?
On the first Wednesday of every month. The current prices took effect on 7 October 2026 and the next adjustment is due on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.