Confirmed: Fuel price jumps by R1.43 while diesel drops sharply in June 2026

South African motorists are set for another major fuel price shake-up this week, with petrol prices increasing sharply from Wednesday, 3 June 2026, while diesel users receive significant relief at the pumps.

According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, petrol will increase by R1.43 per litre across both 93 and 95 grades, while diesel prices will decrease by as much as R3.25 per litre.

The adjustments officially take effect at midnight on Tuesday, 2 June.

Official fuel price changes for June 2026

The confirmed fuel price adjustments are:

• Petrol 93 ULP & LRP: increase of R1.43/l
• Petrol 95 ULP & LRP: increase of R1.43/l
• Diesel 0.05% sulphur: decrease of R3.25/l
• Diesel 0.005% sulphur: decrease of R2.62/l
• Illuminating paraffin: decrease of R5.96/l
• LPGas: decrease of R0.17/kg

New petrol and diesel prices

Estimated inland and coastal fuel prices for June 2026 are expected to be:

Fuel prices differ between inland and coastal regions due to transport and distribution costs.

Why petrol prices are increasing

The biggest factor behind the petrol increase is the partial removal of the temporary fuel levy relief introduced earlier this year by National Treasury.

Government has now reinstated:

• R1.50/l on petrol
• R1.96/l on diesel

At the same time, the slate levy increased significantly due to an under-recovery balance in the fuel price system.

According to the DPMR, the slate levy increased from:

• 122.70 cents/l
  to:
• 157.74 cents/l

The slate fund balance reportedly reached a negative R18.28 billion.

Why diesel prices are dropping

Despite the tax adjustments, diesel users are benefiting from a major over-recovery in international fuel prices.

Global oil prices softened following reports of a temporary ceasefire extension linked to tensions involving the US and Iran, helping reduce Brent crude oil prices.

The lower international oil price recovery effectively absorbed the diesel tax increases, resulting in lower diesel prices overall.

Pressure remains on motorists

The June adjustment creates a mixed outcome for consumers:

• Petrol drivers face higher commuting costs
• Diesel users receive some transport relief
• Logistics and food transport sectors may benefit from lower diesel costs

However, economists warn that broader transport and consumer pricing pressures remain elevated due to ongoing geopolitical instability and tax adjustments.

More fuel pressure could still come in July

Motorists may face additional increases in coming months as the remaining temporary fuel levy relief is expected to fall away entirely later this year.

This means fuel taxes could return fully to pre-relief levels if no additional intervention is announced by government.

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