Drivers across South Africa face unprecedented financial pressure.
The Central Energy Fund has released alarming data indicating that diesel prices could climb by nearly R10 per litre when April adjustments take effect. This surge stems from sustained instability in Middle Eastern oil markets, which continues to disrupt global supply chains and drive costs upward.
The magnitude of these increases threatens to push fuel costs into uncharted territory, creating significant economic ripple effects throughout the nation.
The underrecovery data published on 25 March reveals staggering projections for diesel consumers.
Motorists purchasing 500ppm diesel may see increases of R9.67 per litre, while those opting for the environmentally cleaner 50ppm grade could face even steeper hikes of R9.81. These adjustments would mark the first time in South African history that diesel prices exceed the R30 threshold at retail pumps.
Currently, wholesale diesel trades at R17.84 along coastal regions and R18.60 in inland provinces, though retail margins typically add an additional R2 to R3 to these base figures.
Petrol users will not escape the financial burden either.
Projections indicate that 93 Unleaded will rise by R5.18 per litre, while 95 Unleaded faces an even more substantial increase of R5.72. These adjustments would bring the inland retail price of 95 Unleaded to approximately R26.23, just cents away from the all time high of R26.74 recorded in July 2022. Many motorists still remember the economic strain of that period, when transportation costs affected everything from grocery bills to commuting expenses.
International market movements offer little relief at this stage of the monthly pricing cycle.
Although oil prices showed some moderation this week amid speculation about potential de escalation in Middle Eastern conflicts, these fluctuations arrived too late to influence April’s calculations meaningfully.
The Central Energy Fund typically finalizes its assessments well before month end, leaving current diplomatic developments unable to offset the accumulated pressures. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered additional unwelcome news during his 2026 Budget Speech, announcing that fuel taxes will increase by 21 cents per litre effective 1 April.
This governmental adjustment will apply across all fuel types, adding yet another layer of cost to already stretched household budgets.