South African motorists could be heading into September with another painful fuel price increase, with the latest data pointing to petrol climbing by close to R1 per litre while one grade of diesel is currently tracking an increase of more than R3 per litre.
According to the latest available Central Energy Fund (CEF) data, captured on 20 August 2026, current under-recoveries are pointing towards an increase of approximately 83 cents per litre for 93 unleaded petrol and 94 cents per litre for 95 unleaded petrol.
However, the outlook for diesel users is considerably worse.
The latest figures indicate a potential increase of approximately R2.87 per litre for 500ppm diesel, while 50ppm diesel is tracking an increase of around R3.07 per litre. Illuminating paraffin is meanwhile showing a potential increase of approximately R2.24 per litre.
If the current projections hold until the end of the month, the effect on household and business transport costs could be substantial.
For example, an increase of 94 cents per litre would add approximately R47 to the cost of filling a 50-litre petrol tank. A R3.07 increase in diesel would add approximately R153.50 to a 50-litre fill.
However, motorists should note that these figures are not yet the official September fuel price adjustments.
The CEF’s daily fuel price data tracks movements in the factors used to calculate South Africa’s fuel prices, providing an indication of whether an over-recovery or under-recovery is developing during the month.
The figures can therefore continue changing before the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announces the final adjustment.
Furthermore, South Africa’s fuel prices are influenced by both international and domestic factors, particularly international petroleum product prices and movements in the rand against the US dollar.
International oil prices have remained elevated during August, placing renewed pressure on the local fuel price outlook.
Recent fuel-market data has shown Brent crude trading around the $90-a-barrel mark, substantially higher than levels seen before the latest international supply disruptions.
The potential September increases follow an already mixed adjustment at the beginning of August.
On 5 August 2026, the official price of both 93 and 95 petrol decreased by 52 cents per litre. Diesel motorists received no such relief, with 500ppm diesel increasing by R1.38 per litre and 50ppm diesel rising by R1.23 per litre. Illuminating paraffin also increased by R1.52 per litre at wholesale level.
At the time, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources attributed the August adjustment to a combination of international crude oil movements, petroleum product prices and a slight weakening of the rand against the dollar.
It also noted pressure on international diesel and illuminating paraffin prices arising from supply constraints.
Should the latest September projections materialise, diesel users would therefore face another significant increase immediately after August’s hike.
Petrol motorists, meanwhile, could see much of the 52-cent-per-litre relief received at the beginning of August wiped out and replaced by a substantially higher price at the pumps.
The next official adjustment is expected to take effect on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, in line with South Africa’s monthly fuel price adjustment cycle.
Until then, the numbers remain fluid, with movements in international fuel prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate capable of improving or worsening the final outcome.
Nevertheless, with the latest CEF data pointing towards increases across petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin, motorists may want to prepare for considerably more expensive trips to the pumps when September begins.
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Current projections indicate increases of approximately 83 cents per litre for 93 petrol and 94 cents per litre for 95 petrol.
The latest available projections indicate increases of approximately R2.87 per litre for 500ppm diesel and R3.07 per litre for 50ppm diesel.
No. The figures are based on current Central Energy Fund data and can still change before the official September fuel price adjustment is announced.
The next monthly fuel price adjustment is expected to take effect on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
Fuel prices are influenced by factors including international petroleum prices and the rand-US dollar exchange rate.
