Diesel, paraffin and LPG prices will decline from June 3, but motorists using petrol face a sharp increase following changes announced by DMPR
South Africans will face mixed fortunes at the pumps this month after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) announced a sharp increase in petrol prices, while diesel, paraffin and LPG prices are set to decline.
The latest fuel price adjustments take effect on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
Petrol users will be hardest hit, with both grades of petrol increasing by 143 cents per litre (R1.43/l). In contrast, diesel prices will decrease by as much as R3.25 per litre, while illuminating paraffin and LPG will also become cheaper.
The adjustments are as follows:
*Petrol 93 (ULP and LRP): Increase of 143 cents per litre (R1.43/l)
*Petrol 95 (ULP and LRP): Increase of 143 cents per litre (R1.43/l)
*Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Decrease of 324.96 cents per litre (R3.25/l)
*Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Decrease of 261.96 cents per litre (R2.62/l)
*Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): Decrease of 596 cents per litre (R5.96/l)
*Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin: Decrease of 795 cents per litre (R7.95/l)
*Maximum retail price of LPGas: Decrease of 17 cents per kilogram, and 20 cents per kilogram in the Western Cape
According to the DMPR, the fuel price adjustments were influenced by movements in international crude oil prices, international petroleum product prices, and the rand/US dollar exchange rate.
However, the primary reason for the increase in petrol prices is the reduction in fuel levy relief announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the 2026 Budget.
“In line with the announcement by the Minister of Finance, the amount of general fuel levy relief has accordingly been reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel, effective from Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to Tuesday, 30 June 2026,” the department said.
The reduction in fuel levy relief means consumers will carry a larger portion of the general fuel levy, resulting in higher petrol prices despite favourable movements in some international fuel market indicators.
While the increase is expected to place additional pressure on households already grappling with the rising cost of living, the substantial decreases in diesel, paraffin and LPG prices are likely to provide relief for transport operators, businesses and consumers who rely on those fuels.