Government has sought to provide short term relief for consumers while keeping fuel supply stable. This comes as a major fuel price increase is expected to kick in tomorrow. Treasury and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources have implemented a two-phase plan, with the first step taking effect on April 1st.
Phase one will see the petrol levy dropping by R3 to R1.10 per liter. The diesel levy also falls by R3, to 93c per liter. This measure will be in effect until May 5th.
Final fuel price increases (from 1 April 2026)
- Petrol (93 & 95): + R3.06 per litre
- Diesel (0.05%): + R7.37 per litre
- Diesel (0.005%): + R7.51 per litre
Meanwhile, Treasury estimates that this reduction will come to a R6 billion in foregone revenue. Officials stress that this will be fiscally neutral, and recovery mechanisms are in place. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says that the move balances consumer welfare with fiscal discipline.
Government has also assured the public that national fuel stocks remain sufficient. It notes that the reports of shortages are linked to panic buying, and not supply failure. Motorists have been urged to purchase fuel responsibly and to avoid stockpiling.
Phase Two of the plan will review fuel pricing and support households and key sectors. The departments say that further details on broader relief measures will be announced soon.
