Here’s the shocking fuel price news for September 2026

South African motorists could be facing another fuel-price increase in September, with the latest Central Energy Fund (CEF) data pointing to higher petrol and significantly more expensive diesel.

Mid-month figures show an indicated increase of 63 cents per litre for 93 petrol and 74 cents for 95 petrol.

Diesel is facing even greater pressure, with the data currently showing an under-recovery of R2.73 per litre for 0.05% diesel and R2.89 per litre for 0.005% diesel.

Illuminating paraffin is also showing an under-recovery of R2.15 per litre.

The figures are not final, as the monthly fuel-price review still has time to run. Changes in international oil prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate could significantly alter the final adjustment.

Middle East conflict adds pressure

The latest fuel-price outlook comes as international oil markets remain volatile amid renewed conflict and uncertainty in the Middle East.

Oil prices have fluctuated sharply in recent weeks, putting additional pressure on countries such as South Africa that rely heavily on imported petroleum products.

The stronger rand has provided some relief, while crude oil prices remaining below $90 a barrel have also helped reduce the size of the projected increases.

However, the outlook remains uncertain, with further geopolitical developments capable of sending oil prices higher.

Diesel motorists face biggest increase

The potential diesel increase is particularly concerning for motorists and businesses.

Higher diesel prices affect the cost of transporting goods and operating vehicles and machinery, with potential knock-on effects for logistics, agriculture, construction and consumer prices.

The latest figures have nevertheless improved from the beginning of the month, when petrol under-recoveries were around R1 per litre and diesel was approaching R5 per litre.

For now, motorists can only wait for the final CEF figures.

The final fuel-price adjustments are expected to be announced at the end of August, with the new prices taking effect at midnight on Tuesday, 1 September.

Latest numbers

Below, the latest projections for September 2026 as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF):

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 $88.46 a barrel.

Exchange rate

At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.19/$