By Mapaballo Borotho

- Fuel prices will increase from 04 March 2026 due to higher shipping costs and Middle East tensions.
- Petrol, diesel, paraffin and LP gas will all see hikes.
- Civil organisations are urging government to reduce fuel levies and provide relief to struggling South Africans.
Motorists might have to dig deeper into their pockets this month as fuel prices are set to increase on Wednesday, 04 March 2026.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says higher shipping rates, as well as geopolitical uncertainty caused by escalating tensions between the US, Israel and Iran, are some of the contributing factors.
Petrol 93 will increase by 20 cents per litre, while diesel will go up by 62 and 65 cents per litre. Wholesale illuminating paraffin is set to rise by 44 cents per litre, and LP gas will increase by 23 and 26 cents per kilogram.
Meanwhile, civil organisations have expressed concern over the increases, which come at a time when thousands of South Africans are grappling with the high cost of living.
“This fuel increase is not just an adjustment; it is another blow to struggling households and small businesses. The harsh truth is that South Africans are continuously left to absorb the full impact of global instability without meaningful protection,” said the Forum for South Africa.
The organisation has called on government to review and reduce excessive fuel levies and introduce immediate relief measures to cushion vulnerable households.
READ NEXT: Gauteng government to take full ownership of Gautrain



