Another month, another petrol price hike for South Africans

South African motorists are expected to face another significant fuel price increase in June 2026, with petrol prices forecast to rise by around R1.63 to R1.69 per litre.

Diesel users, however, are expected to receive some relief, with projected decreases of between R1.55 and R2.44 per litre depending on the diesel grade.

According to mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund, the sharp petrol increase is being driven less by international oil markets and more by government tax adjustments linked to the temporary fuel levy relief introduced earlier this year.

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Why petrol prices are climbing

While global oil pressures have eased slightly, the biggest factor affecting June’s fuel price adjustment is the National Treasury’s decision to claw back 50% of the emergency General Fuel Levy relief.

According to the latest CEF data:

• Petrol 93 and Petrol 95 currently show a small under-recovery of between 13c and 19c per litre based on market conditions
• However, the reintroduction of R1.50 per litre in fuel levies pushes the expected total increase to roughly R1.63 to R1.69 per litre

This means motorists will largely feel the impact of tax adjustments rather than international fuel market pressure.

Diesel users could see major relief

Diesel prices are expected to move in the opposite direction.

The CEF’s latest over-recovery data suggests:

• Diesel 0.05% currently reflects an over-recovery of approximately R4.41 per litre
• Diesel 0.005% reflects an over-recovery of roughly R3.52 per litre

After factoring in the return of the R1.97 per litre fuel levy relief:

• Diesel 0.05% users could still see a net decrease of around R2.44 per litre
• Diesel 0.005% could decrease by roughly R1.55 per litre

June 2026 fuel forecast breakdown

Official announcement expected in June

The final fuel price adjustments will be officially confirmed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

The legally binding fuel price changes are expected to be gazetted on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, before taking effect at midnight.

Motorists should also note that the remaining 50% of the temporary fuel levy relief is currently scheduled to expire entirely on 1 July 2026, potentially placing additional pressure on prices in the months ahead.

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