July Fuel Price Prediction: Petrol and Diesel Set for Major Drop

South African motorists are expected to receive welcome relief at the pumps from Wednesday, 1 July 2026, with petrol prices predicted to decrease by around R1.53 per litre and diesel by as much as R3.15 per litre.

While international fuel price recoveries point to even larger decreases, the final reductions are being partially offset by the end of government’s temporary General Fuel Levy relief programme.

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Expected July 2026 fuel price changes

According to the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), the expected adjustments are:

• Petrol 93: Decrease of R1.57 per litre
• Petrol 95: Decrease of R1.53 per litre
• Diesel 0.05%: Decrease of R2.71 per litre
• Diesel 0.005%: Decrease of R3.15 per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: Decrease of R5.23 per litre

Why are fuel prices falling?

The predicted decreases are being driven by a combination of lower international oil prices and a stronger local currency.

Global oil prices ease

A diplomatic breakthrough and truce between the United States and Iran has helped stabilise the Middle East, allowing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, to fully reopen.

As a result, global Brent crude oil prices have fallen into the mid-$70 range, contributing to significant fuel price over-recoveries.

Stronger rand supports lower prices

The South African rand has remained resilient, trading at around R16.60 to the US dollar, further improving local fuel price recoveries.

Fuel levy offsets part of the relief

Although international market conditions support larger fuel price cuts, motorists will not receive the full benefit.

Earlier this year, the National Treasury introduced temporary General Fuel Levy relief to shield consumers from conflict-driven fuel price increases.

After halving the relief in June, the programme comes to an end on 1 July.

This means:

• R1.50 per litre is added back to petrol.
• R1.96 per litre is added back to diesel.

The return of the levy reduces the size of the expected decreases at the pumps.

Official prices still to be confirmed

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources is expected to formally announce the official July fuel prices before they take effect at midnight on Tuesday, 30 June.

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