June fuel price projections show petrol jump and diesel relief

South African motorists could face another fuel price shock in June 2026, with early projections pointing to petrol price increases of more than R1 a litre while diesel users may see dramatic relief at the pumps.

The latest mid-month projections indicate petrol prices could rise by between R1.04 and R1.08 per litre, while diesel prices could decrease by as much as R3.60 per litre when the next official adjustment takes effect on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

The figures are still projections and have not yet been officially confirmed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

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Projected June 2026 fuel price changes

Current projections suggest the following adjustments:

Petrol

• Petrol 93: Increase of around R1.04 per litre
• Petrol 95: Increase of around R1.08 per litre

Diesel

• Diesel 0.05% sulphur: Decrease of up to R2.96 per litre
• Diesel 0.005% sulphur: Decrease of up to R3.60 per litre

If these projections hold, South Africa could see one of the biggest diesel price drops in recent years.

Why petrol and diesel are moving in opposite directions

The projected split between petrol and diesel prices is largely linked to government tax changes and movements in global oil prices.

The National Treasury is expected to partially reverse its temporary fuel levy relief measures introduced earlier this year. This would add:

• Around R1.50 per litre to petrol taxes
• Around R1.97 per litre to diesel taxes

At the same time, falling international oil prices created a significant over-recovery on diesel prices, enough to absorb the expected tax increase entirely. Petrol, however, has not recovered sufficiently to avoid a projected increase.

Oil price movements driving diesel relief

A sharp decline in Brent crude oil prices during the fuel review period has played a major role in the projected diesel decreases.

Global oil prices softened amid changing geopolitical conditions and easing supply concerns, reducing international diesel costs substantially.

This over-recovery is expected to offset the levy adjustments for diesel far more effectively than for petrol.

Projected fuel prices for June 2026

If the current projections remain unchanged, inland prices could move to approximately:

Petrol

• 93 Petrol: Around R27.36 per litre
• 95 Petrol: Up to R28.70 per litre in some inland areas

Diesel

• Diesel: Between roughly R27.69 and R29.90 per litre depending on sulphur grade and region

Coastal prices are expected to remain slightly lower.

Official announcement still pending

The final fuel price adjustments will only be confirmed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources closer to the implementation date.

Fuel price projections often shift slightly during the final review period due to:

• Currency fluctuations
• Oil price volatility
• Slate Levy adjustments
• Final tax calculations

More fuel pressure expected in July

Motorists may also face additional pressure in July 2026 if the remaining temporary fuel levy relief expires fully as expected.

Should Treasury restore the levies completely, both petrol and diesel prices could face renewed increases next month.

Why fuel prices matter

Fuel prices continue to affect nearly every part of the South African economy, from transport and food costs to inflation and household budgets.

While the projected diesel relief would benefit logistics companies, farmers and transport operators, petrol motorists could once again face rising commuting and travel costs.

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