Fuel Prices Drop Sharply From 1 July as Motorists Get Major Relief

South African motorists will pay significantly less at the pumps from Wednesday, 1 July 2026, following the latest official fuel price adjustments.

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced substantial reductions across petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin, driven by lower international oil prices and a stronger rand.

Official fuel price changes for July 2026

The official adjustments are:

• Petrol 93: Decrease of R2.01 per litre
• Petrol 95: Decrease of R1.96 per litre
• Diesel 0.05% (Wholesale): Decrease of R3.14 per litre
• Diesel 0.005% (Wholesale): Decrease of R3.59 per litre
• Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale): Decrease of R5.23 per litre
• LPGAS (Gauteng): Increase of 16 cents per kg

The new prices take effect on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

Why fuel prices are falling

Several factors contributed to the latest fuel price decreases.

Lower international oil prices

Brent Crude oil prices declined into the low US$70 per barrel range after a diplomatic ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran allowed the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Stronger rand

The South African rand remained relatively strong against the US dollar, trading at an average of between R16.37 and R16.50.

A stronger local currency reduces the cost of importing fuel.

Lower slate levy

The cumulative petrol and diesel slate balance improved, resulting in a 43.8 cents per litre reduction in the slate levy component.

Relief for motorists

The latest reductions come despite temporary fuel levy relief measures having been fully phased out and normal tax rates being reinstated.

For motorists, transport operators and businesses, the July fuel price adjustment offers welcome relief after months of elevated fuel costs.

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