Now that May has officially rolled around, we’re closer than ever to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) official fuel price adjustments. Those will officially kick in at the country’s fuel pumps on Wednesday, 6 May, likely delivering fuel price hikes to both petrol and diesel drivers alike.
Start running, diesel drivers
Fortunately, the government is set to extend its fuel tax relief scheme for the next two months. Petrol drivers will see up to R3/l knocked off their bill in May, while diesel drivers can expect savings of R3.93/l. What that will look like, considering the Central Energy Fund’s (CEF) latest fuel price snapshots predict a sub-R3 increase in petrol prices, is still unclear. The most likely outcome is that petrol drivers will see no change to prices come May.
We can’t say the same for diesel. Despite facing a roughly R7/l price hike in April (after government intervention), the pain isn’t stopping there. May is set to bring about another hike, currently in the ballpark of around R4.95/l. Of course, the relief program should counter much of the hike, leaving a smaller increase behind.
We should note that the CEF’s daily predictive snapshot is not final and is subject to change. It, in conjunction with the DMRE, tracks those economic factors that influence the price of fuel locally. Namely, the average Rand/US Dollar exchange rate, as well as the price of oil globally. Yeah, it’s all making sense now, right?
Read More: SA motorists have two more months of fuel tax relief to look forward to
This provides Saffas with an accurate glimpse into the coming fuel price adjustments and allows them to plan accordingly. These figures, captured on Wednesday, 29 April, will likely be close to the real thing, seeing as it falls right around the end of the DMRE’s review period. The official adjustments will be announced early next week — possibly on Monday, 4 May — or Tuesday, 5 May.
Here are the petrol and diesel price predictions (so far) for May 2026:
- Petrol 93: increase of 173 cents per litre (R1.73)
- Petrol 95: increase of 204 cents per litre (R2.04)
- Diesel 0.05%: increase of 496 cents per litre (R4.96)
- Diesel 0.005%: increase of 497 cents per litre (R4.97)
- Illuminating Paraffin: increase of 524 cents per litre (R5.24)
The CEF’s figures above do not account for the government’s extended relief program, nor the slate levy, which could impact prices negatively come Wednesday, 6 May. We should also note that the CEF does not offer data pertaining to LP Gas, leaving its price adjustments a mystery until the DMRE confirms them next week.
