Fuel price hike explained: What April 2026 increases mean for you

Fuel prices in South Africa increased significantly on 1 April 2026, affecting transport, food costs and household budgets.

What happened

The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced major fuel price increases effective 1 April 2026.

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Key changes:

• Petrol (93 & 95): +R3.06 per litre
• Diesel (0.05%): +R7.37 per litre
• Diesel (0.005%): +R7.51 per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: +R11.67 per litre
• LPGas: +R1.08 per kg

The increases are driven by:

• Higher global oil prices (Brent crude rose sharply)
• Weaker rand against the US dollar
• Rising international fuel costs
• Increased fuel, RAF and carbon levies

A temporary R3.00 per litre fuel levy relief will apply from 1 April to 5 May 2026.

Why it matters

This is a high-impact increase.

According to Pondoland Times analysis, fuel price hikes directly affect:

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• Taxi fares and transport costs
• Food prices and basic goods
• Small business operating costs
• Household budgets in rural areas

For many Eastern Cape households, this means:

• Higher cost of getting to work or school
• Increased prices at local shops
• Pressure on already limited income

What you need to know

1. Prices change monthly
Fuel prices are adjusted every month based on global and local factors.

2. Main drivers this month

• Global tensions (US–Iran conflict affecting oil supply)
• Higher shipping costs
• Rand weakening (R16.00 → R16.64 per USD)

• Fuel levy: up by 8–9 cents per litre
• RAF levy: up by 7 cents per litre
• Carbon levy: up by 5–6 cents per litre

4. Temporary relief is limited

• R3.00 per litre relief only lasts until 5 May 2026

5. Prices differ by location

• Final pump price depends on your district transport zone

What you should do next

Practical steps for households:

• Plan transport carefully
  • Combine trips where possible
  • Use shared transport options
• Budget for higher costs
  • Expect food and taxi fares to rise
  • Adjust monthly spending early
• Monitor local prices
  • Prices may vary by area
  • Check updates regularly
• Avoid fuel scams
  • Only buy from verified petrol stations
  • Be cautious of “discount fuel” offers

Where to get help

• Official fuel updates: Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
• Transport costs: Local taxi associations
• Budget help: Community advice centres or NGOs

If rising costs are affecting your household:

• Speak to local social workers
• Check if you qualify for SASSA support or relief programmes
• Follow Pondoland Times for updates on cost-of-living changes

Sources and verification

• Official government fuel price statement (March 2026)
• Pondoland Times verification and analysis