By Mapaballo Borotho

- South African motorists could see petrol prices climb above R30 a litre in October if current Central Energy Fund projections hold.
- 95 octane petrol is projected to increase by R3.21 a litre, while diesel and illuminating paraffin are also expected to become significantly more expensive.
- The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to announce the final adjustments, with the new prices set to take effect on 7 October 2026.
South Africans might have to dig deeper into their pockets this month as they brace for significantly higher fuel prices.
For the first time, petrol prices could reach the R30 per litre mark, with current projections pointing to an increase of more than R3 a litre next week.
The increases will not only affect motorists but could also put further pressure on already stretched households, following an increase in the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.25%.
Fuel price increases often have a knock-on effect across the economy, as higher transport costs can contribute to increases in the price of food and other household essentials that rely on fuel to reach consumers.
Information released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) suggests that 95 octane petrol could increase by R3.21 a litre, taking the price from R26.92 to R30.13.
Meanwhile, 93-octane petrol is projected to increase by around R3.01 per litre.
Diesel prices are also expected to climb, with the latest projections pointing to increases of more than R2.70 per litre, depending on the grade.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to confirm the final price adjustments, with the new prices scheduled to come into effect on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
If these projections hold, motorists could pay the following in October 2026:
- Petrol 93: increase of R3.01 per litre
- Petrol 95: increase of R3.21 per litre
- Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): increase of R2.76 per litre
- Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): increase of R3.15 per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: increase of R3.47 per litre
The projected increases come as motorists continue to feel the pressure of rising living costs, with any significant increase in fuel prices likely to affect more than just the cost of filling up at the pump.
For households already trying to stretch their monthly budgets, the impact could be felt across transport, groceries and other everyday essentials.
The final fuel price adjustments will be confirmed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources next week.
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