Crippling fuel price hikes coming in November 2026

South Africa’s motorists could face the biggest petrol price increase on record in November, with early Central Energy Fund (CEF) data signalling a possible hike of up to R3.35 per litre.

The warning comes just days after petrol and diesel prices climbed to record highs in October, piling further pressure on households, businesses and the transport industry.

International oil prices remain above $100 per barrel, compared with approximately $65 before the Iran war in early 2026.

Combined with a weaker rand, the elevated oil price is raising the prospect of another substantial fuel price increase next month.

November fuel price projections

The latest CEF data shows substantial under-recoveries on imported petroleum products, indicating that current domestic fuel prices are not keeping pace with international prices and exchange-rate movements.

The early projections point to the following possible adjustments:

• Petrol 93: Increase of R3.17 per litre
• Petrol 95: Increase of R3.35 per litre
• Diesel 0.05%: Wholesale increase of R1.77 per litre
• Diesel 0.005%: Wholesale increase of R1.97 per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: Increase of R4.06 per litre

These figures are preliminary estimates and are not the final November fuel price adjustments.

The diesel price is also projected to rise again, adding to the costs faced by farmers, freight operators and other businesses that rely heavily on fuel.

Diesel costs put pressure on businesses

Diesel prices have become a growing concern for South Africa’s productive sectors, particularly agriculture and transport, where fuel is a major operating expense.

The increases threaten to push up production and transport costs, with businesses potentially passing some of those additional expenses on to consumers.

A further rise in fuel prices could therefore add to inflationary pressure across the economy.

Calls for another fuel levy cut

Petrol prices above R30 per litre have already placed motorists under strain, and another sharp increase could intensify the impact on commuters and household budgets.

National Treasury introduced temporary fuel levy relief in April 2026, cutting the levies by R3 per litre to cushion consumers against rising fuel costs.

However, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana warned in September that any additional relief would have to be funded, potentially requiring spending cuts or increased borrowing.

The April intervention cost more than R17 billion, with favourable commodity export revenues helping to offset some of the expense at the time.

Those conditions may not be repeated, making another substantial intervention more difficult.

Final November prices still uncertain

Despite the alarming early projections, motorists should remember that the November adjustments have not yet been finalised.

South Africa’s monthly fuel price changes depend on movements in international petroleum product prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate over the review period.

The CEF recalculates the relevant figures daily, meaning the projected increases could change before the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announces the official adjustments.

Motorists will have to wait for the remainder of the monthly review period to see whether the projected November increases materialise.

The new prices are scheduled to take effect at midnight on Tuesday, 3 November.

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 $103.12 a barrel.

Exchange rate

At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.54/$.

Current October 2026 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):

INLAND	October
Petrol 93	R29.88
Petrol 95	R30.25
Diesel 0.05%	R31.95
Diesel 0.005%	R33.29
Illuminating Paraffin	R24.47

COASTAL	October
Petrol 93	R29.09
Petrol 95	R29.38
Diesel 0.05%	R31.08
Diesel 0.005%	R32.03
Illuminating Paraffin	R23.41

How are you coping – if you are – with the current fuel prices?