Relief for petrol users, pain for diesel and paraffin consumers

August 3, 2026 14

Diesel and illuminating paraffin users will have to dig deeper into their pockets, with the prices of both set to increase from Wednesday.

The latest fuel price adjustments will bring some relief for petrol users, while consumers who rely on diesel and illuminating paraffin will face higher costs.

Both grades of petrol will decrease by 52 cents a litre, while diesel will increase by between R1.23 and R1.38 a litre.

Illuminating paraffin will rise by R1.52 a litre.

South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly.

Department spokesperson, Robert Maake, says several factors, including international petroleum product prices and the rand-to-dollar exchange rate, contributed to the changes.

“The reasons for these adjustments are as follows. The average Brent crude oil price decreased during the period under review,” he said. “However, the prices of diesel and illuminating paraffin increased due to supply shortages caused by the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which resulted in export restrictions by Russia.”

“The rand weakened slightly against the US dollar during the same period. The prices of propane and butane decreased during the period under review. The slag levy decreased by 52.56 cents per litre from 1.13.94 to 61.38 cents per litre in the price structures of both petrol and diesel.”