The first petrol price predictions for March don't look great for diesel drivers

Right on schedule, the Central Energy Fund (CEF) has offered the country its first glimpse at the coming petrol price adjustments that are coming for motorists in March 2026. While everybody made off with a price decrease in February, that won’t be the case in the next few weeks, with the predictions teasing a diesel price hike on the way.

The March of Progress (for some)

Petrol drivers, on the other hand, may have a (minor) price decrease on the cards. If you’re unfamiliar with the CEF’s daily fuel price projections, it isn’t worth getting too excited just yet. The CEF, in conjunction with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), tracks those factors that influence the price of fuel locally. These factors are always moving, leading to changes in their predictions throughout the month.

Still, it offers motorists an accurate insight into the coming changes, even if it’s just a baseline. The CEF keeps its eyes focused on the average Rand/US Dollar exchange rate, as well as global oil prices. The Rand, which has continued to strengthen throughout 2026, was the main cause for the under-recovery (price decrease) in Feb.

Now, it seems the rising oil prices internationally are to blame for diesel’s downfall here. With the DMRE expected to only adjust fuel prices on the first Wednesday of March (4 March 2026), leaving plenty of time for things to turn around. That could mean a smaller increase for diesel drivers or a small increase for petrol.

Whatever the case, check back with Stuff to stay up to date on the latest fuel price predictions.

Here are the petrol and diesel price predictions (so far) for March 2026: