Explore previous monthly adjustments in our fuel price updates archive.
South African motorists will pay 52 c/l less for both grades of petrol from Wednesday, 5 August 2026. Diesel users face wholesale increases of between 123.44 c/l and 138.44 c/l, while illuminating paraffin increases and the maximum retail price of LPG decreases. The official adjustment has been confirmed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMPR) and the Central Energy Fund (CEF).
Fuel Price Update August 2026: official changes at a glance
When the August fuel prices take effect
The official August fuel prices take effect nationwide at midnight on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, coming into force on Wednesday, 5 August 2026. All fuel retailers across South Africa will adjust their petrol pump prices and wholesale diesel prices according to the official schedule on this date.
Petrol decreases versus diesel increases
While petrol drivers enjoy a price drop at the pump, diesel users face wholesale price hikes. Petrol prices in South Africa are regulated retail prices set by the government, whereas official diesel figures represent wholesale adjustments. Non-retail transport operators and retail service stations adjust diesel prices depending on local competitive margins.
| Fuel or product | Official August 2026 adjustment | Pricing basis |
| Petrol 93 ULP and LRP | 52.00 c/l decrease | Regulated retail price |
| Petrol 95 ULP and LRP | 52.00 c/l decrease | Regulated retail price |
| Diesel 0.05% sulphur | 138.44 c/l increase | Wholesale price |
| Diesel 0.005% sulphur | 123.44 c/l increase | Wholesale price |
| Illuminating paraffin | 152.00 c/l increase | Wholesale price |
| Illuminating paraffin SMNRP | 203.00 c/l increase | Maximum national retail price |
| LPGas | 441.00 c/kg decrease | Maximum retail price |
See what the August adjustment means for your next fill-up with our calculate fuel cost tool.
Petrol price changes for August 2026
Both major grades of petrol in South Africa see a uniform drop of 52.00 cents per litre for August 2026. This relief is driven primarily by lower international refined product benchmark costs and a significant reduction in the national Slate Levy.
Petrol 93 price change
Petrol 93 (Unleaded and Lead Replacement Petrol) decreases by 52.00 c/l. This grade is consumed primarily in inland regions where high-altitude atmospheric conditions allow lower-octane fuel to perform efficiently.
Petrol 95 price change
Petrol 95 (ULP and LRP) decreases by 52.00 c/l. Petrol 95 is sold nationwide and serves as the standard petrol grade available in coastal zones.
Inland and coastal petrol prices
Although both inland and coastal regions receive the same monthly adjustment of 52 c/l, inland pump prices remain higher than coastal prices. This price gap reflects the cost of transporting fuel via pipeline and road transport from coastal refineries and ports to Gauteng and other inland distribution hubs.
Diesel and paraffin price changes
In contrast to petrol, diesel prices undergo a sharp upward adjustment for August 2026.
Diesel 0.05% sulphur
Wholesale diesel with 0.05% sulphur content increases by 138.44 c/l. Fleet operators and commercial transport businesses purchasing bulk diesel will see this price addition reflected on wholesale invoices.
Diesel 0.005% sulphur
Wholesale lower-sulphur diesel (0.005% sulphur) increases by 123.44 c/l. Forecourt retailers adjust their retail prices at their discretion based on this wholesale price movement.
Illuminating paraffin wholesale and SMNRP
Illuminating paraffin wholesale prices increase by 152.00 c/l. The Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin increases by 203.00 c/l, placing added pressure on households reliant on paraffin for heating and cooking.
LPG price change for August 2026
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPGas) provides positive news for consumers this month. The maximum retail price of LPG decreases by 441.00 c/kg (or R4.41 per kilogram). LPG is officially measured and regulated per kilogram (c/kg or R/kg) rather than per litre. This rate reduction provides direct relief for domestic and commercial LPG consumers.
Inland versus coastal fuel prices
Fuel prices vary depending on geographic zones (magisterial district zones) to account for internal transport logistics. To see live pricing details, visit our petrol price today page.
The official zone schedule outlines pricing structures effective from 5 August 2026 across major inland and coastal regions:
| Product / Grade | Inland Region | Coastal Region |
| Petrol 93 ULP & LRP | Regulated Retail | N/A (Coastal standard is 95) |
| Petrol 95 ULP & LRP | Regulated Retail | Regulated Retail (Coastal Zone Rate) |
| Diesel 0.05% Sulphur | Official Wholesale Basis | Official Coastal Wholesale Basis |
| Diesel 0.005% Sulphur | Official Wholesale Basis | Official Coastal Wholesale Basis |
| Illuminating Paraffin | Official Wholesale & SMNRP | Official Coastal Wholesale & SMNRP |
| LPGas | Max Retail Price (Inland) | Max Retail Price (Coastal/Western Cape) |
Note: Detailed magisterial zone schedules reflect local pipeline and road transport differentials relative to coastal supply ports.
For broader market context, check our detailed fuel price update South Africa guide.
What caused the August 2026 fuel-price adjustment?
The official August fuel prices are determined by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMPR) using calculated monthly over- and under-recoveries tracked by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). Four key drivers influenced the August 2026 adjustments:
Lower crude-oil prices
Average Brent crude oil prices declined from US$86.53 to US$82.37 per barrel during the review period. Falling global crude benchmarks helped reduce the Basic Fuel Price (BFP) across all petroleum products.
Different international trends for petrol and diesel
International product prices for petrol and diesel diverged significantly during the review period. Refined petrol prices decreased internationally, reinforcing the drop in crude oil. Conversely, international diesel and paraffin prices surged due to tight global middle-distillate inventories and reduced refinery output, driving a substantial under-recovery for diesel.
A slightly weaker rand
The South African Rand weakened slightly against the US Dollar during the review period, moving from an average of approximately R16.34/$ to R16.46/$. This modest depreciation increased the cost of importing refined fuels and crude oil, placing slight upward pressure on the Basic Fuel Price.
The Slate Levy
A major factor cushioning fuel prices in August was the reduction of the Slate Levy. The Slate Levy fell from 113.94 c/l to 61.38 c/l, representing a direct decrease of 52.56 c/l in both petrol and diesel price structures. This reduction softened the wholesale diesel increase and enabled petrol to achieve a net retail decrease of 52 c/l.
How August compares with July 2026
The August 2026 fuel adjustment marks a clear shift from the trends recorded in July 2026. While July experienced different cost pressures under earlier international crude and exchange rate conditions, August brings petrol relief alongside a strong rise in diesel wholesale costs. Historical records for prior months are maintained in our updates archive.
Methodology and source notes
South African fuel price adjustments are calculated according to official regulatory frameworks administered by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMPR) and the Central Energy Fund (CEF).
Monthly price adjustments account for:
- Basic Fuel Price (BFP): Calculated from international refined product prices and the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate over the monthly review cycle.
- Zone Differentials: Transport costs via pipeline, rail, and road to transport fuel from coastal ports to inland districts.
- Regulated Levies: The General Fuel Levy, Road Accident Fund (RAF) Levy, Custom & Excise duties, and the Slate Levy mechanisms.
- Wholesale and Retail Margins: Regulated margins set for retail forecourts, wholesale distribution, and storage operations.
All figures in this article are verified directly against official media statements issued by the South African Government, the DMPR, and monthly CEF data publications.
Frequently asked questions
Did petrol increase or decrease in August 2026?
Petrol decreased by 52.00 c/l for both 93 ULP/LRP and 95 ULP/LRP in August 2026.
How much did diesel increase in August 2026?
Wholesale diesel 0.05% sulphur increased by 138.44 c/l, while diesel 0.005% sulphur increased by 123.44 c/l.
When do the August fuel prices take effect?
The official August fuel prices take effect on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at 00:01.
Are diesel pump prices regulated?
No. While petrol prices are strictly regulated at the retail pump, official government diesel figures represent wholesale prices. Forecourt retailers set retail pump prices independently, leading to variations between service stations.
Why did petrol decrease while diesel increased?
International petrol product prices dropped significantly, while refined diesel prices rose internationally due to supply constraints and reduced refinery output. Although both fuels benefited from lower crude oil prices and a 52.56 c/l Slate Levy reduction, higher international refined diesel costs offset those gains.
Last verified: 4 August 2026
Check the latest current fuel prices and calculate how the August adjustment affects your fuel costs.