The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe has announced fuel price adjustments for February 2026, based on current local and international market conditions.
As a result, petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin prices will decrease, while the maximum retail price of LP Gas will increase, including a higher increase in the Western Cape.
South Africa adjusts fuel prices monthly, using a formula that shows international oil prices, global petroleum product costs, and the rand/US dollar exchange rate.
Why it matters to you
Fuel prices affect transport costs, food prices, household energy expenses and small businesses, especially in rural and peri-urban Eastern Cape communities.
Lower petrol and diesel prices may ease pressure on commuters and transport operators. However, higher LPG prices could increase cooking and heating costs for households that rely on gas.
What caused the February fuel price changes?
Several international and local factors influenced the adjustments.
Key drivers behind the changes
- Crude oil prices increased
Brent crude rose from USD 61.47 to USD 64.08.
This was driven by geopolitical uncertainty linked to Iran, Greenland, Kazakhstan and Venezuela, as well as extreme cold weather disrupting US production. - International petroleum product prices decreased
Despite higher crude prices, global fuel product prices fell due to strong inventory levels.
This reduced basic fuel prices for:- Petrol by 36.46 cents per litre
- Diesel by 24.59 cents per litre
- Illuminating paraffin by 21.13 cents per litre
- Stronger rand lowered fuel costs
The rand strengthened from R16.85 to R16.31 against the US dollar.
This reduced fuel prices further, cutting:- Petrol by 28.52 c/l
- Diesel by 31.62 c/l
- Illuminating paraffin by 31.86 c/l
- Slate levy remains unchanged
The cumulative slate balance stood at R5.064 billion at the end of December 2025.
Therefore, the slate levy stays at 0.00 cents per litre for petrol and diesel.
February 2026 fuel price adjustments
Fuel price changes from February 2026:
- Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): ↓ 65.00 c/l
- Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): ↓ 65.00 c/l
- Diesel 0.05% sulphur: ↓ 50.00 c/l
- Diesel 0.005% sulphur: ↓ 57.00 c/l
- Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): ↓ 53.00 c/l
- SMNRP for illuminating paraffin: ↓ 70.00 c/l
- LPGas (maximum retail price):
- ↑ 31.00 c/kg nationally
- ↑ 36.00 c/kg in the Western Cape
