By Mapaballo Borotho

- South African motorists will pay less for petrol and diesel from 1 July following the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
- Petrol prices will decrease by up to 201 cents per litre, while diesel and illuminating paraffin will also become cheaper.
- Although the price cuts offer welcome relief, SAPRA says consumers and retailers continue to face economic pressure from the rising cost of living.
After months of elevated fuel prices, South African motorists can finally breathe a sigh of relief as fuel prices are set to decrease in July.
The recent spike in fuel prices was largely driven by geopolitical tensions, including the conflict between the United States and Iran, which placed pressure on global oil markets.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, together with the Central Energy Fund, has announced the latest fuel price adjustments, which will come into effect at 00:01 on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
The reductions are expected to provide relief for motorists, households and businesses that have been grappling with rising transport and operating costs.
Fuel price adjustments from Wednesday, 1 July 2026
- Petrol 93 ULP & LRP: Decrease of 201 cents per litre.
- Petrol 95 ULP & LRP: Decrease of 196 cents per litre.
- Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Decrease of 314 cents per litre (wholesale).
- Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Decrease of 358 cents per litre (wholesale).
- Illuminating paraffin: Decrease of 523 cents per litre (wholesale) and 697 cents per litre in the Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP).
- LP Gas: Increase of 16 cents per kilogram in the maximum retail price.
However, the temporary fuel levy relief measures have now been fully phased out.
As a result, the full fuel levy has been reinstated at 429 cents per litre for petrol and 416 cents per litre for diesel.
Despite the price cuts, the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA) says the broader economic outlook remains fragile.
“Recent reporting shows South African consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in more than a year in the second quarter of 2026, weighed down by fuel costs and the rising cost of living.
“These pressures are also being felt across the petroleum retail value chain, where price volatility affects both consumer behaviour and retailer planning,” SAPRA said in a statement.
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