Many South African motorists are still reeling from the R3/l+ petrol and diesel price hikes inflicted upon them this October. The potential for some more government relief does ease the sting a bit, but not by much. Early data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) suggests that November will be yet another rough month for drivers.
A rough month ahead
That might not seem possible considering October’s official adjustments sent inland petrol prices soaring beyond R30/l for the first time in South Africa’s history. And until the government confirms a cut to the general fuel levies, we’ll likely be stuck paying another R2-or-so per litre of petrol more than we currently are.
There’s still time for things to turn around. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) is responsible for adjusting the country’s fuel prices on the first Wednesday of a new month. With a few weeks between now and then, there’s potential for the expected increases in November to head in the other direction.
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The CEF, in conjunction with the DMPR, tracks those economic factors that influence the price of fuel locally. The biggest contributor is the average price of oil globally, with the ongoing US-Iran War sending prices skyrocketing everywhere. Pre-war prices generally saw oil hovering around $70/barrel. Current prices put it closer to $105 per.
The Rand/US Dollar exchange rate also plays a role, albeit a smaller one. The Rand weakened throughout September, contributing to the hikes we experienced a week ago. Stuff will be keeping an eye on the coming adjustments for November, as well as the R10 billion proposed to help Saffas out in these trying times.
Here are the petrol and diesel price predictions (so far) for November 2026:
- Petrol 93: increase of 269 cents per litre (R2.69)
- Petrol 95: increase of 279 cents per litre (R2.79)
- Diesel 0.05%: increase of 145 cents per litre (R1.45)
- Diesel 0.005%: increase of 159 cents per litre (R1.59)
- Illuminating Paraffin: increase of 353 cents per litre (R3.53)
