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 petrol price formula adds levies, margins and transport to the basic fuel price. In October 2026 that gives R30.25 per litre for Petrol 95 and R29.88 for Petrol 93 in Gauteng.
Petrol Price Formula South Africa: current price
| Component (cents per litre) | Petrol 95 | Petrol 93 |
| Basic fuel price | 1743.51 | 1706.51 |
| General fuel levy | 429 | 429 |
| Road Accident Fund levy | 225 | 225 |
| Retail margin | 320 | 320 |
| Wholesale margin | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| 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 |
| Petroleum products levy | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Pump rounding | -0.2 | -0.2 |
| Price (c/l) | 3,025.00 | 2,988.00 |
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.
How the two grades differ
Every local component is identical for the two grades. The only difference is the basic fuel price: 1,743.51 c/l for 95 against 1,706.51 c/l for 93, a gap of 37 cents. That gap is reviewed at the start of each quarter.
Working through the sum
For Petrol 95: basic fuel price 1,743.51 + general fuel levy 429.00 + Road Accident Fund levy 225.00 + retail margin 320.00 + zone differential 91.10 + slate levy 87.66 + wholesale margin 66.50 + secondary storage 39.00 + secondary distribution 19.10 + customs and excise 4.00 + petroleum products levy 0.33, less 0.20 of pump rounding, equals 3,025.00 cents per litre.
Inland vs coastal prices
At the coast the zone differential is only 3.9 c/l instead of 91.1 c/l, which is why coastal Petrol 95 costs R29.38, 87 cents less than in Gauteng.
How to use this price information
The formula shows which parts of the price can move next month. Only the basic fuel price and the slate levy change monthly; the general fuel levy and Road Accident Fund levy are set in the national Budget, and margins are reviewed by the Department.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is 95 more expensive than 93?
Because its basic fuel price is 37 c/l higher. All levies and margins are the same.
Is the retail margin a percentage?
No. It is a fixed 320 c/l on both petrol grades.
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.