South Africans are facing another shake-up with fuel prices changing from 3 June 2026, with petrol increasing by R1.43 per litre while diesel prices decrease by as much as R3.24 per litre. The latest adjustments announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) will affect millions of motorists, businesses and commuters across Gauteng.
For petrol vehicle owners, the increase means more pressure on already stretched household budgets. However, businesses that rely on diesel-powered vehicles, freight transport and logistics operations could benefit from substantial savings at the pump. The differing price movements have left many motorists asking the same question: why is petrol becoming more expensive while diesel is getting cheaper?
ALSO READ: Fuel Prices Changing on 3 June 2026: Why Petrol Is Going Up While Diesel Gets Cheaper
What Changed on 3 June 2026?
The latest regulated fuel prices came into effect on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
The official adjustments are:
- Petrol 93 ULP and LRP: Increase of R1.43 per litre
- Petrol 95 ULP and LRP: Increase of R1.43 per litre
- Diesel 0.05% sulphur: Decrease of R3.24 per litre
- Diesel 0.005% sulphur: Decrease of R2.61 per litre
- Illuminating Paraffin: Decrease of R5.96 per litre
- LP Gas: Decrease of 17 cents per kilogram
Following the increase, inland Gauteng motorists are now paying approximately R28.06 per litre for 95 unleaded petrol, one of the highest petrol prices recorded in South Africa.
Why Did Petrol Increase While Diesel Decreased?
Although both fuels originate from crude oil, they are affected by different international market forces.
According to the DMPR, the average Brent crude oil price increased from approximately $101 per barrel to $104.59 per barrel during the review period. Officials attributed this rise to ongoing tensions involving the United States and Iran, as well as concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
Higher oil prices generally place upward pressure on fuel costs.
However, diesel and paraffin benefited from lower international demand.
The Seasonal Demand Factor Behind Diesel’s Decline
Diesel and paraffin are classified as middle distillates and are widely used for heating in many Northern Hemisphere countries.
As Europe and North America move into summer, demand for heating fuels declines significantly.
According to the department, this seasonal reduction in demand caused international diesel prices to fall sharply, creating substantial savings that were passed on to consumers.
Petrol demand, however, remained relatively stable, preventing similar price reductions.
Treasury’s Fuel Levy Changes Played a Major Role
Government tax adjustments also influenced the final prices.
Temporary fuel levy relief introduced earlier this year began to phase out during June.
This resulted in:
- R1.50 per litre being reintroduced to petrol taxes
- R1.96 per litre being reintroduced to diesel taxes
The Slate Levy, which compensates fuel companies for previous under recoveries, also increased.
While diesel had enough international savings to absorb these changes, petrol did not.
As a result, petrol motorists are now paying more despite some favourable movements in international fuel markets.
What a Full Tank Costs in Gauteng Now
For many motorists, the true impact is felt when filling up.
Using the new inland fuel prices, a full tank now costs approximately:
| Vehicle Type | Typical Tank Size | Fuel Type | Estimated Cost to Fill Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Car (VW Polo, Suzuki Swift) | 40L | Petrol | R1,122.40 |
| Mini SUV (Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4) | 50L | Petrol | R1,403.00 |
| Toyota Quantum Taxi | 70L | Diesel | R2,013.20 |
| Medium Delivery Truck | 150L | Diesel | R4,314.00 |
The figures highlight how different vehicle owners will experience the June adjustments.
A family filling up a petrol-powered SUV may now spend more than R1,400 per tank, while diesel users benefit from lower fuel costs than they faced in previous months.
Disclaimer: The full-tank costs above are estimates based on regulated inland fuel prices effective from 3 June 2026 and typical vehicle fuel tank capacities. Actual costs may vary depending on the vehicle model, fuel grade used, location, retailer pricing, and the amount of fuel remaining in the tank at the time of refuelling. The figures are provided for illustrative purposes only.
How Much More Are Petrol Drivers Paying?
The R1.43 increase may appear small at first glance, but it adds up quickly.
Here’s what the increase means per fill-up:
| Tank Size | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| 40 litres | R57.20 |
| 50 litres | R71.50 |
| 60 litres | R85.80 |
| 80 litres | R114.40 |
A Gauteng commuter with a 50-litre vehicle who fills up once a week could spend roughly R286 more per month on petrol compared to May.
Could Lower Diesel Prices Reduce Food Costs?
One potential benefit of the diesel decrease is its impact on supply chains.
Most freight transport, agricultural machinery and long-distance logistics operations rely heavily on diesel.
Lower diesel costs may help reduce transportation expenses for businesses, potentially easing pressure on food prices and consumer goods in the coming months.
While consumers are unlikely to see immediate reductions in supermarket prices, the diesel decrease could help prevent further inflationary pressure.
Why the Stronger Rand Was Not Enough
The Rand strengthened slightly against the US Dollar during the review period, moving from approximately R16.65 to R16.52 per dollar.
Normally, a stronger Rand helps reduce imported fuel costs.
However, officials said the benefit was outweighed by higher crude oil prices, levy adjustments and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
As a result, petrol still recorded a substantial increase despite the currency improvement.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The June fuel price adjustments create a mixed picture for Gauteng households.
Petrol motorists face higher monthly transport expenses at a time when many families are already dealing with rising living costs.
Residents who commute daily between Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Centurion, Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas are likely to feel the greatest impact.
At the same time, lower diesel prices may provide relief for logistics operators, delivery companies and transport businesses that keep Gauteng’s economy moving.
The contrasting price movements also show how global events, seasonal demand and government tax policies can affect different fuels in very different ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did petrol increase while diesel decreased?
Petrol was affected by higher oil prices and fuel levy increases, while diesel benefited from lower international demand and substantial market savings.
How much did petrol increase in June 2026?
Both grades of petrol increased by R1.43 per litre.
How much did diesel decrease?
Diesel decreased by between R2.61 and R3.24 per litre depending on the sulphur content.
What is the current petrol price in Gauteng?
Inland 95 unleaded petrol now costs approximately R28.06 per litre.
Will diesel prices remain lower next month?
Fuel prices are reviewed monthly and depend on international oil prices, exchange rates, market demand and government policy decisions.
What Happens Next?
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will continue monitoring global oil markets, exchange rates and international fuel product prices ahead of the next fuel price adjustment in July.
Motorists, businesses and transport operators across Gauteng will be watching closely to see whether easing geopolitical tensions and changing market conditions can provide relief after months of significant fuel price volatility.
