Motorists across Gauteng are set to pay significantly more for petrol and diesel from Wednesday, 6 May 2026, following expected fuel price increases driven by global oil pressures. The hikes will affect daily commuters, transport operators and households already dealing with rising living costs.
Month-end data from the Central Energy Fund shows under-recoveries of R1.73 per litre for 93 unleaded petrol and R2.04 for 95 unleaded, pointing to an average petrol increase of about R1.88 per litre. Diesel is expected to rise even more sharply, with projections of up to R4.03 per litre.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to confirm the official adjustments this week.
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What Gauteng Motorists are Likely To Pay
If current projections hold, inland fuel prices, which apply to Gauteng, are expected to rise to:
- Petrol 95: around R25.20 to R25.24 per litre
- Petrol 93: around R25.10 to R25.13 per litre
- Diesel (wholesale): around R30.14 per litre before retail margins
Retail diesel prices may vary, with an additional R2.50 to R3 per litre depending on the outlet.
Despite the increase, petrol prices remain below the record high of R26.09 per litre reached in July 2022.
Why Fuel Prices are Increasing
The latest increases are largely driven by international market conditions rather than local factors.
Key drivers include:
- Rising global oil prices, with Brent crude recently trading between $113 and $126 per barrel
- Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, affecting supply stability
- April under-recoveries, where fuel costs exceeded pump prices
- Minimal rand impact, contributing only a few cents to the increase
According to available data, global oil price movements remain the dominant factor influencing South Africa’s fuel pricing structure.
Government Extends Temporary Relief Measures
National Treasury has confirmed that fuel levy relief measures will remain in place for May to cushion the impact on consumers.
Key interventions include:
- R3.00 per litre relief on petrol maintained for May
- Additional 93 cents relief on diesel, increasing total support
- Temporary extension of relief into June, with reductions expected
- Full fuel levies returning from July, including R4.10 for petrol and R3.93 for diesel
Government estimates suggest the relief measures will cost approximately R17.2 billion in foregone revenue.
Why Diesel Prices are Rising Faster
Diesel is expected to record a sharper increase than petrol, with projections exceeding R4 per litre.
This is due to:
- Higher global demand for diesel products
- Supply constraints in international markets
- Adjustments linked to government relief structures
- Additional pricing components such as the Slate Levy
If confirmed, the May increase will push diesel prices to new record levels in South Africa.
Cost Pressure for Gauteng Households and Businesses
The increase is expected to have a direct and indirect impact on Gauteng residents.
Estimated cost effects include:
- R80 to R100 more to fill a 50-litre petrol tank
- R300 to R700 increase in monthly fuel spending
- Rising transport costs, including taxis and delivery services
- Potential knock-on effects on food prices and goods
Gauteng, as the country’s economic hub, is particularly sensitive to fuel price movements due to its reliance on road-based transport and logistics.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The May fuel price increase will add pressure to household budgets and transport costs across the province.
In practical terms:
- Daily commuting costs will rise for workers and students
- Public transport fares may increase in response to higher fuel costs
- Small businesses reliant on deliveries or logistics may face higher operating expenses
- Prices of goods, particularly food, could increase due to transport costs
While government relief measures have reduced the scale of the increase, the overall cost of fuel remains high and continues to affect the cost of living in Gauteng.
Further Increases Expected in June and July
Short-term relief is expected to ease slightly in June before being fully withdrawn in July.
Key developments to watch:
- Fuel levy relief will be reduced in June
- Full levies reinstated in July, increasing pump prices further
- Ongoing global oil volatility may continue to push prices higher
Analysts warn that without a stabilisation in global oil markets, further increases are likely in the coming months.
FAQ: May 2026 Fuel Price Increase
When will the new fuel prices take effect?
From Wednesday, 6 May 2026, once officially announced.
How much will petrol increase?
Petrol is expected to increase by around R1.80 to R2.00 per litre.
Why is diesel increasing more than petrol?
Due to higher global demand, supply constraints and pricing adjustments.
Are the increases final?
No. Final prices will be confirmed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
Will prices increase again soon?
Yes. Further increases are possible when fuel levy relief is reduced in June and removed in July.
What Happens Next
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to confirm the official fuel price adjustments ahead of the Wednesday implementation date.
As global oil markets remain volatile and temporary relief measures are phased out, motorists in Gauteng are likely to face continued fuel price pressure in the months ahead.
