The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed the official fuel price adjustments taking effect on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, with Gauteng motorists facing sharp increases across petrol and diesel. Inland 95 petrol has risen by R3.33 per litre to R30.25, while 93 petrol has increased by R3.12 to R29.88 per litre. Diesel has recorded even larger increases at wholesale level, adding further pressure to motorists and transport operators.
The October adjustment follows increases in average international petroleum product prices during the review period, while a higher slate levy also contributed to the final petrol and diesel price structures.
The increases come just one month after Gauteng motorists paid R26.76 for 93 petrol and R26.92 for 95 petrol in September.
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Official October 2026 Fuel Prices For Gauteng
The October adjustment takes inland 95 petrol above R30 per litre, while 93 petrol remains just below that level.
| Fuel Type | September Price | October Price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | R26.76 per litre | R29.88 per litre | Increase of R3.12 |
| Petrol 95 | R26.92 per litre | R30.25 per litre | Increase of R3.33 |
| Diesel 0.05% sulphur | R29.11 per litre | R31.95 per litre | Increase of R2.84 |
| Diesel 0.005% sulphur | R30.05 per litre | R33.29 per litre | Increase of R3.24 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R20.89 per litre | R24.47 per litre | Increase of R3.58 |
| LPGAS | R37.39 per kg | R37.81 per kg | Increase of 42 cents |
The diesel figures reflect wholesale prices, meaning the amount charged at individual filling stations can differ.
For petrol motorists, the increases are particularly significant compared with September. A Gauteng driver buying 95 petrol is now paying R3.33 more for every litre than during the previous pricing period.
Why Fuel Prices Increased In October
According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources information supplied for the October adjustment, average international product prices for petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin increased during the review period.
The rand, however, appreciated slightly against the US dollar on average.
The average rand to US dollar exchange rate for the period from 28 August to 1 October 2026 was R16.2123 compared with R16.2139 during the previous review period.
This resulted in a lower contribution to the Basic Fuel Price of 0.171 cents per litre for petrol, 0.215 cents per litre for diesel and 0.212 cents per litre for illuminating paraffin.
The difference between the price adjustments for 93 and 95 petrol is also linked to changes to the Basic Fuel Price differentials between the 2 petrol grades, which are adjusted at the beginning of each quarter.
Slate Levy Rises As Negative Balance Reaches R10.456 Billion
Another component affecting October’s petrol and diesel prices is the slate levy.
The combined cumulative petrol and diesel slate balance stood at a negative R10.456 billion at the end of August 2026.
Under the Self Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, the slate levy increased from 83.28 cents per litre to 87.66 cents per litre from 7 October.
That represents an increase of 4.38 cents per litre in the petrol and diesel price structures.
The slate levy increase forms part of the overall October adjustment alongside movements in international petroleum product prices and the exchange rate.
October Increase Follows September Fuel Price Hikes
The October fuel price increase follows another substantial adjustment in September.
In Gauteng, 93 petrol stood at R26.76 per litre in September, while 95 petrol cost R26.92.
Diesel 0.05% was listed at R29.11 per litre at wholesale level, while diesel 0.005% stood at R30.05.
From 7 October, those prices have increased to R29.88 for 93 petrol, R30.25 for 95 petrol, R31.95 for diesel 0.05% and R33.29 for diesel 0.005%.
Illuminating paraffin has increased from R20.89 to R24.47 per litre, while Gauteng LPGAS has moved from R37.39 to R37.81 per kilogram.
No Taxi Fare Increase Announced Yet
The higher fuel prices have also raised questions about the potential impact on public transport costs.
The South African National Taxi Council said no decision has been taken to increase taxi fares following the latest fuel price adjustment.
SANTACO said it is assessing the financial impact of higher fuel costs and intends to consult taxi operators before deciding how the industry should respond.
The council also plans to engage fuel suppliers and business partners about possible measures to reduce operating costs.
SANTACO said it intends to approach government, including the National Department of Transport, to discuss possible interventions.
For commuters, this means there is currently no confirmed taxi fare increase linked to the October fuel price adjustment.
What This Means For Gauteng Residents
The biggest immediate change for Gauteng residents is the amount motorists are now paying at inland filling stations.
A motorist filling a 50 litre tank with 95 petrol would pay about R166.50 more than at September’s official price. Filling the same tank with 93 petrol would cost about R156 more than in September.
The increase also affects residents using illuminating paraffin, which has risen by R3.58 per litre to R24.47 inland.
Taxi commuters do not currently have a confirmed fare increase to factor into their transport costs. SANTACO is still assessing the impact of the fuel increase before making a decision.
Gauteng residents should also distinguish between petrol and diesel prices when comparing costs. Petrol prices are regulated retail prices, while the diesel figures supplied for October are wholesale prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Petrol In Gauteng In October 2026?
From 7 October 2026, inland 93 petrol costs R29.88 per litre, while inland 95 petrol costs R30.25 per litre.
How Much Did Petrol Increase In October 2026?
93 petrol increased by R3.12 per litre, while 95 petrol increased by R3.33 per litre.
How Much Is Diesel In Gauteng In October 2026?
Diesel 0.05% is listed at R31.95 per litre and diesel 0.005% at R33.29 per litre at wholesale level. Pump prices can differ.
Why Did The October Fuel Price Increase?
The supplied information shows that average international product prices for petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin increased during the review period. The slate levy also increased by 4.38 cents per litre.
Are Taxi Fares Increasing In October?
SANTACO has not announced a taxi fare increase. The council said it is assessing the financial impact of higher fuel prices and consulting operators and other stakeholders.
What Happens Next
The October fuel prices took effect on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, meaning Gauteng motorists are already paying the new inland prices.
Attention will now turn to the next fuel price review period and any further announcements from SANTACO concerning the effect of higher fuel costs on the taxi industry.
Early indications for the next fuel adjustment remain preliminary and should not be treated as the final November price. Motorists will need to wait for the official adjustment before the next regulated prices are confirmed.
