South African motorists are paying new fuel prices from Wednesday, 5 August 2026, after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed a 52 cent per litre decrease for both grades of petrol and sharp increases for diesel. Gauteng drivers now pay R25.42 per litre for inland 93 petrol and R26.17 for inland 95 petrol, while diesel wholesale prices have risen by more than R1 per litre. The adjustment matters for households and businesses because diesel costs feed directly into transport, logistics and operating expenses across the province.
The official adjustment follows weeks of volatile oil prices and changing fuel price forecasts, with petrol motorists ultimately receiving a larger reduction than earlier projections suggested.
ALSO READ: Fuel Price South Africa: Latest Petrol and Diesel Prices and Forecasts
Official August Fuel Price Changes Confirmed
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe confirmed the August adjustment on 3 August, with the new prices taking effect two days later.
According to the department, both 93 and 95 petrol decreased by 52 cents per litre.
Diesel moved in the opposite direction.
The official changes are:
- Petrol 93: decrease of 52 cents per litre
- Petrol 95: decrease of 52 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.05 percent sulphur: increase of 138.44 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.005 percent sulphur: increase of 123.44 cents per litre
- Wholesale illuminating paraffin: increase of 152 cents per litre
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources publishes the official monthly adjustment using international fuel prices, the rand dollar exchange rate and regulated pricing components.
What Gauteng Motorists Are Paying Inland
Fuel prices differ between coastal and inland regions because transport and distribution costs are included in the regulated pricing structure.
For Gauteng motorists, the August prices are:
93 Unleaded petrol: R25.42 per litre
95 Unleaded petrol: R26.17 per litre
500ppm diesel: Wholesale price of about R26.16 per litre
50ppm diesel: Wholesale price of about R26.39 per litre
Diesel retail prices can differ between service stations because diesel is not subject to the same regulated retail price structure as petrol.
For motorists filling large tanks, the 52 cent petrol reduction offers some relief.
A 50 litre petrol fill costs about R26 less than it did before the August adjustment, while a 60 litre tank costs about R31.20 less.
Why Petrol Fell While Diesel Increased
The contrasting movements reflect different market pressures affecting petrol and diesel during the monthly review period.
International petroleum prices were volatile during July as global markets reacted to uncertainty in the Middle East and concerns about oil supply disruptions.
The department said South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted according to movements in international petroleum product prices, exchange rates and other regulated components.
Petrol ultimately benefited from a reduction, while diesel accumulated a larger under recovery during the review period.
Slate Levy Helped Increase the Petrol Reduction
One factor that influenced the final adjustment was the Slate Levy.
The levy is used to compensate fuel companies for differences between regulated fuel prices and actual fuel costs during periods of significant market movement.
The August adjustment reduced the Slate Levy from about R1.13 per litre to approximately 61 cents per litre.
That change helped produce a larger petrol reduction than earlier Central Energy Fund projections had indicated.
Earlier forecasts had suggested that petrol could remain almost unchanged, while diesel increases could approach R2 per litre.
Diesel Increase Could Have Wider Cost Implications
The diesel increase affects more than private motorists.
Diesel is widely used by freight operators, delivery companies, agricultural businesses, construction firms and other industries.
Higher diesel costs can therefore raise transport and operating expenses throughout the supply chain.
This is particularly relevant in Gauteng, where major logistics corridors connect Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni with ports and distribution centres across the country.
While the effect on consumer prices is not immediate or automatic, sustained increases in diesel costs can place additional pressure on businesses that move goods by road.
Global Oil Prices Remain Volatile
Fuel prices continue to be influenced by uncertainty in global energy markets.
Oil markets have experienced sharp movements amid geopolitical tension and disruption concerns around major shipping routes.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources adjusts fuel prices monthly, meaning changes in international markets during August will feed into the next review period.
The Central Energy Fund also continues to publish daily basic fuel price data showing how international and currency movements are affecting the next potential adjustment.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For petrol motorists, the August adjustment provides modest relief after significant fuel price volatility earlier in the year.
A 52 cent reduction will lower the cost of filling a tank, but inland petrol prices remain above R25 per litre.
Diesel users face the opposite situation, with increases of more than R1 per litre pushing up costs for private motorists and businesses.
Gauteng residents should also remember that petrol prices are regulated, while diesel pump prices may vary between service stations.
Comparing diesel prices before filling up may therefore result in meaningful savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Did Petrol Decrease in August 2026?
Both 93 and 95 petrol decreased by 52 cents per litre from 5 August 2026.
What Is the Petrol Price in Gauteng?
Inland motorists are paying about R25.42 per litre for 93 petrol and R26.17 per litre for 95 petrol.
How Much Did Diesel Increase?
Diesel with 0.05 percent sulphur increased by 138.44 cents per litre, while 0.005 percent sulphur diesel increased by 123.44 cents per litre.
Why Are Gauteng Fuel Prices Higher Than Coastal Prices?
Inland fuel prices include additional transport and distribution costs associated with moving fuel from coastal supply points to inland markets.
When Will Fuel Prices Change Again?
South African fuel prices are reviewed monthly by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. The next adjustment will depend on international fuel prices, the rand dollar exchange rate and regulated pricing components during the August review period.
The August fuel adjustment gives petrol motorists some relief, but the diesel increase remains a concern for businesses and households that depend on road transport. Gauteng motorists are now paying R25.42 for inland 93 petrol and R26.17 for 95 petrol, while diesel wholesale prices have climbed above R26 per litre. With global oil markets still volatile, attention now turns to how August market movements will affect South Africa’s next fuel price review.
