FNB eBucks Fuel Boost launches as South Africans battle massive fuel hikes

As South Africans grapple with one of the biggest fuel price increases in recent months, FNB eBucks has introduced a limited-time Fuel Boost campaign aimed at helping motorists soften the financial blow.

The promotion, which runs during May and June 2026, gives qualifying customers a guaranteed 50% increase in eBucks earned on fuel purchases at Engen service stations.

The move comes after fuel prices surged dramatically on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

Massive fuel price increases hit South Africans

The latest fuel adjustment saw sharp increases across multiple fuel categories:

May 2026 fuel increases:

• Petrol 93 and 95: +R3.27 per litre
• Diesel 0.05%: +R6.19 per litre
• Diesel 0.005%: +R6.19 per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: +R4.22 per litre
• LPGAS in Gauteng: +R5.07 per kg

The increase is among the largest fuel hikes recorded in recent years and has intensified pressure on consumers and businesses already facing rising living costs.

Why fuel prices increased in May 2026

Several global and local factors contributed to the sharp increase.

Key reasons include:

• Brent crude oil prices climbing above $100 per barrel
• Ongoing Middle East tensions raising supply concerns
• Rand weakness against the US dollar
• Higher import costs for fuel products
• A R1.23 per litre slate levy adjustment

The rand has also remained under pressure, trading near R16.64 to the US dollar, further increasing fuel import costs.

Government extends temporary fuel relief

To cushion the impact, the National Treasury South Africa extended temporary fuel levy relief measures.

Current relief measures:

• Petrol levy reduced by R3.00 per litre
• Diesel levy effectively reduced to zero
• Relief measures remain in place until early June 2026
• Full levies expected to return from 1 July 2026

Without the temporary intervention, motorists would have faced even higher increases this month.

How the FNB eBucks Fuel Boost works

According to reporting by MyBroadband, the Fuel Boost campaign increases the value of fuel rewards earned through the eBucks rewards programme by 50% for May and June.

Under normal conditions, qualifying FNB and RMB Private Bank customers can earn up to R8 per litre back in eBucks when filling up at Engen using qualifying cards, particularly virtual cards.

These rewards are typically made up of:

• a standard monthly fuel earn
• additional rewards linked to qualifying banking products and behaviours

Customers who meet specific requirements, such as holding qualifying WesBank finance or insurance products, unlock additional reward tiers.

With the temporary Fuel Boost campaign now active, customers earning the maximum fuel reward tier could receive rewards equivalent to as much as R12 per litre in eBucks during the promotional period.

Fuel rewards becoming increasingly important

As fuel costs continue rising, loyalty and rewards programmes are becoming more valuable for South African motorists trying to manage monthly transport expenses.

Banks and retailers have increasingly expanded cashback and fuel reward initiatives as fuel prices remain volatile.

The latest eBucks campaign is expected to draw strong interest online, particularly as searches around:

• fuel prices
• eBucks fuel rewards
• Engen cashback
• petrol discounts

continue trending across South Africa.

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