Fuel prices will increase from Wednesday, 4 March 2026, affecting motorists across Gauteng and the rest of South Africa. The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has confirmed that both grades of petrol will rise by 20 cents per litre, while diesel will increase by between 62 and 65 cents per litre. The adjustment comes after higher international oil prices during February, partly offset by a stronger rand. For Gauteng drivers already facing rising transport and food costs, the increase will immediately impact commuting and business expenses.
The latest adjustment ends a short period of relative fuel price stability and signals renewed pressure at the pumps.
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Official Fuel Price Adjustments for March
According to the department, the following changes take effect from 4 March 2026:
- Petrol 93: Increase of 20 cents per litre
- Petrol 95: Increase of 20 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): Increase of 62 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): Increase of 65 cents per litre
- Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Increase of 44 cents per litre
- LPGAS (Gauteng): Increase of 23 cents per kg
The department said the increases reflect higher average international product prices for petrol, diesel and paraffin during the review period.
What Gauteng Motorists Will Pay
In Gauteng and other inland areas, the pump prices will now be:
Inland (Gauteng):
- 93 Petrol: R20.19 (up from R19.99)
- 95 Petrol: R20.30 (up from R20.10)
- Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): R18.53
- Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): R18.60
- Illuminating Paraffin: R12.54
- LPGAS: R34.97 per kg
Coastal prices are slightly lower due to transport differentials, but Gauteng motorists continue to pay more because of inland logistics costs.
Why Prices Are Increasing
The department attributed the March increases mainly to higher international oil prices during February.
According to the department, the average Brent Crude oil price increased from US $64.08 to $69.08 during the review period. Officials cited:
- Elevated global shipping rates
- Geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran
- Volatility in Middle East oil markets
Oil prices climbed sharply toward the end of February, with Brent trading above $77 per barrel in early March.
The rand provided partial relief. The average Rand/US Dollar exchange rate strengthened from 16.3054 to 15.9959 during the review period. The department said this reduced the fuel price increases that would otherwise have been higher.
Slate Levy and Other Components
The department confirmed that the Slate Levy will remain at 0.00 cents per litre from 4 March 2026.
In line with the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, this component is used to stabilise under- or over-recoveries in fuel pricing. No adjustment was deemed necessary this month.
The department also confirmed refinery gate price adjustments for LPGAS, with increases applying through both standard supply channels and imports via Saldanha Bay.
More Pressure Expected in April
Motorists may face further increases in April.
During the 2026 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced adjustments to fuel-related taxes, including:
- A 9 cent per litre increase in the General Fuel Levy (GFL) for petrol
- An 8 cent per litre increase in the GFL for diesel
- A 5 cent increase to the carbon fuel levy for petrol
- A 6 cent increase to the carbon fuel levy for diesel
- A 7 cent increase in the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy
Combined, these adjustments could add around 21 cents per litre to fuel prices from 1 April 2026.
The RAF levy alone will rise to R2.25 per litre, while the GFL component on petrol will increase to R4.10 per litre.
Industry bodies have warned that tax-related increases could place additional strain on households already under financial pressure.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Gauteng is South Africa’s economic hub and has one of the highest volumes of daily commuters. Many residents travel long distances between Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas.
The March increase means:
- Higher monthly fuel costs for private motorists
- Increased operating costs for taxi and ride-hailing drivers
- Rising logistics expenses for delivery and transport businesses
- Potential knock-on effects on food and retail prices
Diesel price hikes, in particular, have wider economic implications because diesel fuels freight transport, agriculture and goods distribution.
With Gauteng households already navigating rising electricity tariffs and inflation pressures, the fuel adjustment adds another layer of cost.
Broader Inflation Impact
Fuel is a key contributor to inflation in South Africa.
Higher diesel prices often feed into:
- Food prices
- Construction material costs
- Public transport fares
- Retail distribution expenses
Although producer price inflation declined in recent months, renewed oil market volatility could reverse that trend if international prices remain elevated.
Economists note that exchange rate performance will remain critical in determining future adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new fuel prices take effect?
The new prices take effect from Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
Why are diesel increases higher than petrol?
Diesel prices are more sensitive to global shipping and freight demand. Higher international product prices contributed to the larger increase.
Will prices increase again in April?
Further increases are possible due to the announced fuel levy and RAF levy adjustments taking effect from 1 April 2026.
Why does Gauteng pay more than coastal regions?
Inland provinces such as Gauteng include transport and distribution costs from coastal refineries, resulting in higher pump prices.
What Happens Next
The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources will continue to monitor international oil prices and exchange rate movements throughout March.
If global oil markets remain volatile and Brent crude stays elevated, further adjustments could follow in April. The upcoming fuel levy increases will also automatically feed into pump prices from the beginning of the new fiscal year.
Motorists in Gauteng will be watching both global oil trends and domestic tax decisions closely as the next review period approaches.
