Paraffin users across South Africa are facing a significant fuel price increase from April 2026, with illuminating paraffin rising by R11.67 per litre at the wholesale level. The increase affects low-income households who rely on paraffin for cooking, heating, and lighting, particularly in Gauteng, where alternative energy access remains uneven.
The price adjustment comes as petrol and diesel users receive partial relief through a temporary fuel levy reduction, creating a gap in how different energy users are impacted. Labour groups warn that the increase disproportionately affects vulnerable households, raising concerns about widening energy inequality.
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Paraffin Price Increase 2026: How Much More Households Will Pay
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy confirmed multiple fuel price adjustments effective from the end of March 2026.
Key increases include:
• Petrol (93 and 95 octane): up by R3.06 per litre
• Diesel (500ppm): up by R7.37 per litre
• Diesel (50ppm): up by R7.51 per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: up by R11.67 per litre
• LP gas: up by 57 cents per kg nationally
At retail level, the paraffin increase is even higher, with the maximum price rising by approximately R15.60 per litre.
According to the department, these adjustments reflect global oil price pressures and currency fluctuations.
Why Paraffin Users Are Hit Harder Than Motorists
Unlike petrol and diesel users, paraffin consumers did not receive targeted relief measures beyond standard price regulation.
The Federation of Unions of South Africa said this creates an imbalance in the fuel pricing system.
According to the federation, the increase is “not just steep but punitive,” as it affects households that have limited or no alternative energy sources.
For many residents in Gauteng’s townships and informal settlements, paraffin remains a primary energy source due to:
• Limited access to electricity
• High electricity costs
• Unreliable supply in some areas
• Lack of infrastructure for alternative energy
This means the price increase directly impacts basic daily needs rather than discretionary spending.
Energy Inequality in Gauteng: Who Is Most Affected
Energy inequality remains a key issue in Gauteng, where income disparities influence access to different energy sources.
Lower income households are more likely to depend on:
• Paraffin stoves for cooking
• Paraffin heaters during winter
• Paraffin lamps for lighting
By contrast, higher income households rely on electricity, gas or solar alternatives.
The current pricing structure therefore places a heavier burden on households already facing financial pressure.
According to labour representatives, the lack of targeted relief for paraffin users raises broader concerns about equity in national energy policy.
No Immediate Alternatives for Paraffin Dependent Households
Industry stakeholders say there are limited short term alternatives available to households affected by the price increase.
Electricity, while more stable, remains costly for many residents.
Gas alternatives, including LP gas, have also increased in price, further limiting options.
As a result, households may be forced to:
• Reduce energy usage
• Shift spending from other essentials
• Use unsafe or informal energy sources
These adjustments could have wider social and safety implications, particularly in densely populated areas.
Calls for Government Intervention and Relief Measures
The Federation of Unions of South Africa has called for urgent intervention to address the price increase.
According to the organisation, relief measures should be extended to paraffin users in the same way they are applied to motorists.
The federation stated that failure to act could deepen inequality by prioritising mobility over basic household energy needs.
Labour groups are also calling for:
• Targeted subsidies for paraffin users
• Inclusion of low income households in relief programmes
• A review of energy pricing structures
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has not yet announced additional support measures specifically for paraffin users.
Electricity Tariff Increase Adds to Household Pressure
The paraffin price increase comes alongside rising electricity costs.
From 1 April 2026, Eskom implemented an 8.76 percent tariff increase for direct customers, following approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.
Municipal customers are expected to see increases averaging around 9 percent from July 2026.
This combination of rising fuel and electricity costs is placing additional strain on household budgets across Gauteng.
Stakeholders warn that the cumulative effect may force households to make difficult trade offs between energy, transport and basic living expenses.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The latest fuel and electricity increases highlight growing pressure on household energy affordability in Gauteng.
For residents, this means:
• Higher monthly costs for cooking, heating and lighting
• Increased financial pressure on low income households
• Limited access to affordable alternative energy sources
• Greater risk of energy insecurity in vulnerable communities
The disparity between relief measures for motorists and the lack of support for paraffin users may also intensify debates around energy policy and social equity.
FAQ: Paraffin Price Increase 2026
Why has the paraffin price increased
The increase is linked to global oil price movements and exchange rate pressures, according to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
How much has paraffin increased
Illuminating paraffin has increased by R11.67 per litre at wholesale level, with higher increases at retail level.
Who is most affected by the increase
Low income households that rely on paraffin for cooking, heating and lighting are most affected.
Are there alternatives to paraffin
Alternatives such as electricity and gas exist but may not be affordable or accessible for all households.
Has the government provided relief for paraffin users
No targeted relief measures have been announced for paraffin users beyond standard price regulation.
What Happens Next
Labour organisations and advocacy groups are expected to continue engaging government on potential relief measures for paraffin users.
Further adjustments to fuel and energy pricing will depend on global oil markets and domestic policy decisions.
In the coming months, attention is likely to focus on whether targeted interventions are introduced to address the growing gap between different energy users in South Africa.
