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.
Petrol goes down when importing fuel cost less than the regulated price over the previous month. Right now it is not going down: Petrol 95 rose by R3.33 per litre on 7 October 2026. The last decreases were in July and August 2026.
Why Is Petrol Going Down: direct answer
A decrease follows an over-recovery: international petrol prices fell, the Rand strengthened, or both, during the review period. The saving is passed on the following month.
How it works in South Africa
- Lower international prices: the basic fuel price follows refined product prices, which usually track crude oil.
- A stronger Rand: fuel is bought in US Dollars, so a stronger currency lowers the Rand cost.
- A lower slate levy: the levy falls as the slate balance recovers.
- Tax relief: occasionally government reduces the fuel levy for a period.
Recent decreases
| Effective date | Change in Petrol 95 | New price |
| 7 October 2026 | Up R3.33 | R30.25 |
| 2 September 2026 | Up R1.34 | R26.92 |
| 5 August 2026 | Down R0.52 | R25.58 |
| 1 July 2026 | Down R1.96 | R26.10 |
| 3 June 2026 | Up R1.43 | R28.06 |
| 6 May 2026 | Up R3.27 | R26.63 |
The biggest monthly decreases since 2012
| Effective date | Decrease per litre | New price |
| 4 January 2023 | R2.06 | R21.40 |
| 7 September 2022 | R2.04 | R23.38 |
| 1 July 2026 | R1.96 | R26.10 |
| 1 April 2020 | R1.88 | R13.96 |
| 5 December 2018 | R1.84 | R15.24 |
Practical example for motorists
The July 2026 decrease of R1.96 per litre took R98.00 off a 50-litre tank. The October increase added R166.50.
Common mistakes and misconceptions
- A fall in the oil price today does not lower the pump price today; it feeds into next month’s adjustment.
- A decrease in petrol does not always mean a decrease in diesel. In June 2026 diesel fell while petrol rose.
- Early-month projections often change before the review period closes.
Related prices, forecasts and tools
- Petrol price today
- Fuel price breakdown
- Basic fuel price
- Why fuel prices change every month
- Petrol price prediction
- Fuel cost calculator
- Petrol price decrease
Frequently asked questions
Is petrol going down next month?
It is too early to say. The review period for the November 2026 adjustment has only just begun.
When did petrol last go down?
On 5 August 2026, by 52 cents per litre for Petrol 95.
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.