South Africans will be paying more at the pumps from Wednesday, 4 March 2026, after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced new fuel price increases linked to rising global oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The department said the adjustments are influenced by a combination of local and international factors, including higher shipping rates and uncertainty triggered by growing tensions involving the United States. Crude oil prices have increased significantly, rising from an average of $64.08 to $69.08 per barrel, contributing to higher international petroleum product prices.

Petrol 93 and Petrol 95 (ULP and LRP) will both increase by 20 cents per litre. Diesel users will face steeper hikes, with 0.05% sulphur diesel going up by 62 cents per litre and 0.005% sulphur diesel increasing by 65 cents per litre. Wholesale illuminating paraffin will rise by 45 cents per litre, while the Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin increases by 58 cents per litre. The maximum retail price of LP Gas will go up by 23 cents per kilogram, with a 26-cent increase in the Western Cape.

The department said the rising crude oil price and increasing international petroleum product prices led to higher contributions to the basic fuel price of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin.

The increases are expected to place additional pressure on motorists, transport operators and households, as higher fuel costs often lead to increases in food and other essential goods.

The new prices take effect at midnight on 4 March 2026.