SA fuel price update for June 2026
While it was previously reported that fuel hikes were incoming for South African consumers in June, new information suggests they are in for a highly contrasting set of fuel price adjustments. While global oil markets and a resilient rand are offering massive underlying relief for diesel users, petrol vehicle owners face further pain at the pumps.
According to mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), a major shift in market dynamics is underway. However, the true picture of what consumers will pay at the pumps is being heavily distorted by the rollback of government tax relief.
The underlying good news
Following two months of extreme market volatility—which saw cumulative diesel hikes of nearly R13 per litre—international oil prices and currency markets have finally settled into a more predictable rhythm.
Although Brent crude remains firmly above the $100-a-barrel mark due to ongoing tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the shock of oil jumping wildly between $60 and $120 has subsided. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that global inventories are depleting rapidly and the market will remain severely undersupplied until October, but for now, the relative stability has allowed for massive over-recoveries.
Simultaneously, the South African rand has put up a resilient fight. Despite disappointing local employment data and global dollar strength ahead of US-China trade talks, the local currency has steadied around R16.50/$, avoiding a sustained slide past R17/$.
The basic recoveries
Based purely on international oil prices and the exchange rate, the baseline mid-month recoveries show a massive win for diesel and paraffin:
Petrol 93: Expected increase of 13 cents per litre
Petrol 95: Expected increase of 19 cents per litre
Diesel 0.05%: Expected cut of R4.41 per litre
Diesel 0.005%: Expected cut of R3.52 per litre
Illuminating Paraffin: Expected cut of R4.37 per litre
The Fuel Levy relief ends
Unfortunately, the basic recoveries do not tell the whole story. In April and May, the National Treasury stepped in to cushion consumers by implementing a temporary R3.00 per litre cut in the fuel levy on petrol and diesel (which was extended to R3.93 per litre for diesel in May).
Beginning in June, 50% of this tax relief will be added back to the fuel price, with the full tax amount restored in July.
This means R1.50 per litre will be added to petrol prices, and R1.97 per litre will be added to diesel prices.
The Final Projected Cost at the Pump
When factoring in the return of the fuel levy, the massive savings for diesel are effectively halved, while the minor under-recovery for petrol cascades into a steep price hike.
Accounting for the tax changes (but excluding potential slate levy adjustments), motorists can expect the following prices in June:
Inland Projections:
93 Petrol: Expected to increase by R1.63, rising from R26.52 to R28.15 per litre.
95 Petrol: Expected to increase by R1.69, rising from R26.63 to R28.32 per litre.
Diesel 0.05%: Expected to decrease by R2.44, dropping from R31.17 to R28.73 per litre.
Diesel 0.005%: Expected to decrease by R1.55, dropping from R31.88 to R30.33 per litre.
Illuminating Paraffin: Expected to decrease by R4.37, dropping from R28.43 to R24.06 per litre.
Coastal Projections:
93 Petrol: Expected to rise to R27.36 per litre.
95 Petrol: Expected to rise to R27.45 per litre.
Diesel 0.05%: Expected to drop to R27.86 per litre.
Diesel 0.005%: Expected to drop to R29.07 per litre.
Looking ahead
While logistics, public transport, and industries relying heavily on diesel will welcome the multi-rand relief, everyday commuters driving petrol vehicles will need to tighten their belts. Furthermore, with the remaining 50% of the fuel tax holiday set to conclude in July, and the IEA warning of potential oil spikes back toward $120 later in the year, South Africans should prepare for continued pressure at the pumps as winter progresses.
