South Africa Fuel Price Outlook: May 2026
Note: These are estimated forecasts based on current CEF data. Official prices are only confirmed by the DMRE.
For more on how we obtain these figures, see our Transparency & Methodology Page.
Latest Adjustments and Estimated Price Changes for May 2026
On 01 April 2026, the fuel prices were adjusted as below:
- Both grades of Petrol (93 and 95) were increased by R3.02 per litre (retail price)
- Diesel had a bigger adjustment with 500 ppm increasing by R7.33 per litre and 50 ppm increasing by R7.47 per litre (wholesale price)
The Government reduced the fuel levy by R3 per litre as a temporary measure in order to offset some of the increase in actual fuel costs incurred from the higher oil price and weaker exchange rate.
The minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said they are still discussing what to do with the fuel levy for May and June since the current numbers published by the CEF group already show another shocking possible price increase for next month.
Refer to our Home page to stay up to date with the current prices and latest expected adjustments for next month.
Why and When?
Due to the current conflict in the middle-East, Oil prices have jumped to the highest levels since July 2022 and to make matters worse, the Rand has also weakened significantly against the US Dollar – all leading to much higher anticipated fuel prices for April 2026.
The price change came into effect on Wednesday April 1, 2026. The next change will take place on 6 May 2026.
Final thought
In these uncertain times, fuel costs will undoubtedly have a big impact on all of us. Remember to make use of our free online calculator to get estimates of what your fuel expenses will be when you need to travel or when you want to budget your total monthly fuel cost!