South African motorists will face a sharp hike in fuel prices from midnight on Tuesday, 5 May following adjustments confirmed by the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
Petrol will increase by R3.27 per litre, while diesel will jump by a steeper R6.19 per litre, marking one of the largest monthly increases in recent years.
If you are able to – even if your vehicle is not empty – it may well be worth your while filling up before 23:59 tonight.
READ | Here are the latest TAXI fare increases for May 2026
Global instability drives prices
The hikes are largely attributed to volatile global oil markets, influenced by tensions between the United States and Iran.
Oil prices fluctuated significantly during April, briefly dropping to around $95 per barrel amid ceasefire hopes before rising well above $100 after talks collapsed and a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted supply expectations.
Meanwhile, the rand traded relatively steadily around R16.50 to the dollar but weakened slightly as the Federal Reserve signalled prolonged higher interest rates.
Tax relief offset
Government efforts to cushion the blow included extending the fuel levy reduction, with petrol still benefiting from a R3.00 per litre cut and diesel from a 93 cents per litre reduction.
However, this relief was largely cancelled out by a R1.23 increase in the slate levy, adding further pressure to pump prices.
Impact on consumers
Despite the tax measures, motorists will still feel the full impact of the increases, particularly diesel users.
The price hikes are expected to ripple through the economy, pushing up transport, logistics, and food costs in the coming weeks and adding to inflationary pressures.
For consumers, the May adjustment underscores how global conflict and currency movements can quickly translate into higher costs at the pump.
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | increase of 327 cents |
| Petrol 95 | increase of 327 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | increase of 619 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | increase of 619 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | increase of 422 cents |
FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:
1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices
2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products
Oil price
At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $112.67 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.76/$.
May 2026 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):
| INLAND | April | May |
| Petrol 93 | R23.25 | R26.52 |
| Petrol 95 | R23.36 | R26.63 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R25.90 | R32.09 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R26.11 | R32.30 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R24.21 | R28.43 |
| COASTAL | April | May |
| Petrol 93 | R22.46 | R25.73 |
| Petrol 95 | R22.53 | R25.80 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R25.07 | R31.26 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R25.35 | R31.54 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R23.16 | R27.38 |
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