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 rises 312 c/l, petrol 95 rises 333 c/l, diesel 500ppm rises 284 c/l, diesel 50ppm rises 324 c/l and illuminating paraffin rises 358 c/l. The previous official prices took effect on 2 September 2026 and remain payable until midnight on Tuesday, 6 October.
South Africa’s petrol price rises by 312 c/l for 93 petrol and 333 c/l for 95 petrol, effective Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Inland motorists will pay R29.88 per litre for 93 petrol and R30.25 for 95 petrol, while coastal pump prices move to R29.01 and R29.38 respectively. It is the first time the inland price of 95 petrol has moved above R30 per litre, and it follows the 134 c/l increase recorded in September.
Petrol Price October 2026: Official Update
October petrol-price change at a glance
- Petrol 93: 312 c/l increase
- Petrol 95: 333 c/l increase
- Effective date: Wednesday, 7 October 2026
- Status: Official adjustment confirmed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR)
When the October prices take effect
The official fuel price adjustments come into operation on the first Wednesday of the month. Motorists and transport operators should budget for the higher pump rates from the beginning of the business day on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The DMPR announced these figures on Monday, 5 October 2026; until midnight on Tuesday, 6 October, the September prices remain payable.
October 2026 Petrol Prices in South Africa
The table below sets out the official pricing schedule for October 2026, comparing it against the September rates across inland and coastal zones.
| Product | September Price | October Price | Monthly Change |
| Inland Petrol 93 | R26.76 | R29.88 | +312 c/l |
| Inland Petrol 95 | R26.92 | R30.25 | +333 c/l |
| Coastal Petrol 93 | R25.89 | R29.01 | +312 c/l |
| Coastal Petrol 95 | R26.05 | R29.38 | +333 c/l |
What the October Adjustment Means for Motorists
The increase lands on a baseline that already carries the fully reinstated General Fuel Levy, and no new tax relief has been announced for this cycle. Based on the official movement, filling up will cost the following additional amounts:
- 40-litre fill (93): Approximately R124.80 more
- 50-litre fill (93): Approximately R156.00 more
- 50-litre fill (95): Approximately R166.50 more
- 60-litre fill (95): Approximately R199.80 more
Note: Actual costs depend on the total litres purchased, your specific vehicle fuel grade, and your geographic pricing zone.
Primary CTA: Calculate how the October petrol-price change affects your fuel costs.
Other Fuel-Price Changes in October 2026
Diesel and paraffin users face increases of a similar size to petrol this cycle:
- Diesel 0.05% sulphur (wholesale): 284 c/l increase (Inland wholesale reaches R31.95/l; Coastal reaches R31.08/l)
- Diesel 0.005% sulphur (wholesale): 324 c/l increase (Inland wholesale reaches R32.80/l; Coastal reaches R31.93/l)
- Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): 358 c/l increase (Inland wholesale reaches R24.47/l; Coastal reaches R23.42/l)
Diesel pump prices may vary by service station since diesel is a deregulated retail product, unlike petrol. The diesel and paraffin figures above are wholesale baselines, not pump prices. For the full breakdown, see our diesel price October 2026 guide.
Why Petrol Prices Increased in October
The October increase is shaped mainly by international costs rather than by domestic policy changes:
Crude-oil prices
The average international Brent crude oil price was markedly higher over the September review period than in the previous cycle. Tension in the Middle East and concern about disruption to crude supply and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz kept a substantial risk premium in the market.
International petrol-product prices
Refined petrol-product prices followed crude higher over the review cycle. In contrast to September, when the pressure was concentrated in diesel, petrol and diesel moved up by broadly similar amounts this time.
Rand–US dollar exchange rate
The rand traded in a comparatively narrow range against the US dollar during the review window, so currency movement offered little relief. The increase is attributable chiefly to international product costs rather than to the exchange rate.
Levies and tax relief
No fuel-tax relief applies in October. The temporary reduction in the General Fuel Levy that applied earlier in 2026 has ended, and government has indicated that there are no immediate plans to reintroduce it, so the full international increase passes through to the pump.
Inland vs Coastal Petrol Prices
South African fuel pricing accounts for transport logistics and secondary distribution costs:
- Inland prices are higher because fuel must be transported inland from coastal ports (predominantly Durban).
- Coastal prices remain lower due to the absence of long-distance inland transport surcharges.
The zone differential is unchanged: inland 95 petrol sits 87 c/l above the coastal price, and inland 93 petrol sits 87 c/l above it.
September to October 2026 Price Comparison
The table below highlights the transition from September to October 2026 and the additional cost per 50-litre tank:
| Fuel Grade & Zone | September Price | October Price | Difference (c/l) | 50-Litre Tank Cost |
| Inland Petrol 93 | R26.76 | R29.88 | +312 c/l | R156.00 |
| Inland Petrol 95 | R26.92 | R30.25 | +333 c/l | R166.50 |
| Coastal Petrol 93 | R25.89 | R29.01 | +312 c/l | R156.00 |
| Coastal Petrol 95 | R26.05 | R29.38 | +333 c/l | R166.50 |
For historical context on previous monthly adjustments, review our comprehensive fuel price updates archive, or compare directly against petrol price September 2026.
Methodology and Source Note
South African fuel prices are adjusted on the first Wednesday of every month by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. These adjustments are calculated from international crude oil pricing, refined product market movements, the rand-to-US-dollar exchange rate, and domestic elements such as the slate levy and transport tariffs. Petrol carries a regulated retail price; diesel and paraffin figures are wholesale baselines.
- Official Adjustment: Confirmed increase
- Effective Date: 7 October 2026
- Data Source: Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) official release
- Previous Cycle: DMPR official prices effective 2 September 2026
- Last Updated: 5 October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the petrol price increasing or decreasing in October 2026?
Petrol is increasing. Petrol 93 rises by 312 c/l and petrol 95 by 333 c/l from 7 October 2026, on top of the 134 c/l increase recorded in September.
When does the October petrol price take effect?
The new prices take effect at midnight, reflecting at pumps from Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The September prices apply until then.
Are these figures official?
Yes. These are the official figures published by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, effective 7 October 2026.
How much more will a 50-litre tank cost?
The 312 c/l increase adds R156.00 to a 50-litre tank of 93 petrol, while the 333 c/l increase on 95 petrol adds R166.50.