Government corrects diesel price error ahead of fuel hike

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has corrected its latest fuel price announcement after discovering a calculation error that overstated the diesel price increase set to take effect on Wednesday.

In a statement, the department confirmed that an internal mistake during the May 2026 fuel price calculations let to the the diesel levy relief being incorrectly captured.

What should have been recorded as a 93.00 cents per litre reduction was mistakenly entered as 0.93 cents per litre.

This error inflated the previously announced diesel increase to R6.19 per litre, instead of the corrected figure of R5.27 per litre.

The department has confirmed that from midnight on Wednesday, both grades of petrol (93 and 95 octane) will increase by R3.27 per litre, while diesel will rise by R5.27 per litre.

Officials described the error as “highly regrettable” and apologised for the confusion caused to motorists, businesses, and the public just hours before the new prices take effect.

ERRATUM STATEMENT: THE MINISTER OF MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES ANNOUNCES ADJUSTMENT OF FUEL PRICES EFFECTIVE FROM THE 6TH OF MAY 2026 pic.twitter.com/BVXwDiOaEp

— Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources ‏ (@DMPR_ZA) May 5, 2026

The department said the latest adjustments are driven by a mix of global and local economic factors.

A key contributor is the sharp increase in international crude oil prices, with Brent crude rising from an average of $93.67 to $101 during the review period.

The surge has been linked to escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, as well as disruptions associated with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Government has since decided to extend temporary fuel levy relief measures introduced to help cushion consumers. 

Initially announced in March 2026, the relief package aimed to offset rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict.

Despite these relief efforts, officials warn that the global fuel environment remains highly volatile.

STATEMENT: EXTENSION OF THE SHORT-TERM RELIEF MEASURES TO
ADDRESS FUEL PRICE INCREASES pic.twitter.com/Q6sH7UQYNp

— Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources ‏ (@DMPR_ZA) April 28, 2026

The department also confirmed that a broader review of the fuel pricing formula is underway, which could influence how future price adjustments are calculated.

For now, South Africans will have to brace for higher fuel costs at the pumps from Wednesday, with government maintaining that the revised figures provide a more accurate reflection of global and domestic pricing pressures.