South Africa Fuel Price Adjustment August 2026: Petrol Down, Diesel Up

• Effective August 5, 2026, South Africa will see a 52.00 c/l decrease in petrol prices, while diesel will increase by up to 138.44 c/l and illuminating paraffin by up to 203.00 c/l.
• The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from $86.53 to $82.37 USD, but international product prices for diesel and paraffin rose due to supply shortages from the Russia/Ukraine conflict and underperforming Middle East refineries.
• The Rand depreciated slightly against the US Dollar, moving from 16.34 to 16.46 Rand/USD, contributing to higher Basic Fuel Prices for all fuel types.
• A Slate Levy of 61.38 c/l will be implemented for petrol and diesel, a decrease of 52.56 c/l from the previous rate, following a cumulative negative balance of R7.418 billion by June 2026.
• The Maximum Retail Price of LPGas will decrease by 441.00 c/kg nationally, with a 503.00 c/kg reduction in the Western Cape, while the imported LPGas MRGP is set at R14,562.59 per metric ton.

The price of both Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP) and Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) will see a uniform decrease of 52.00 cents per litre, contrasting sharply with substantial increases for diesel and illuminating paraffin.

The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has announced a series of adjustments to South Africa's fuel prices, set to take effect from August 5, 2026. This latest South Africa fuel price adjustment for August 2026 presents a mixed picture for consumers and businesses, with a notable decrease in petrol prices contrasting sharply with substantial increases for diesel and illuminating paraffin. These monthly adjustments are a standard practice, influenced by a combination of international market dynamics and domestic economic factors.

The price of both Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP) and Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) will see a uniform decrease of 52.00 cents per litre. Conversely, diesel users face significant hikes, with 0.05% sulphur diesel increasing by 138.44 cents per litre and 0.005% sulphur diesel rising by 123.44 cents per litre. Illuminating paraffin, a crucial energy source for many households, will also become considerably more expensive, with the wholesale price increasing by 152.00 cents per litre and the Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin climbing by 203.00 cents per litre.

In addition to these changes, the Maximum Retail Price of LPGas will decrease by 441.00 cents per kilogram nationally, with an even larger reduction of 503.00 cents per kilogram specifically for the Western Cape. These adjustments reflect the complex interplay of global supply and demand, currency fluctuations, and regulatory mechanisms that define the country's fuel pricing structure.

Several international and local factors underpinned these August 2026 fuel price changes. A key international influence was the average Brent Crude oil price, which saw a decrease from 86.53 US Dollars to 82.37 US Dollars during the review period. While renewed US/Iran tensions had previously pushed prices towards the $100 mark, this upward pressure was ultimately offset by a significant price reduction in the preceding month and the first half of the current month, largely due to a ceasefire Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran, alongside a general decline in global crude oil demand.

However, the international petroleum product prices presented a more varied scenario. While the average international price for petrol decreased, diesel and illuminating paraffin experienced increases. These hikes were primarily attributed to supply shortages stemming from the Russia/Ukraine conflict, which led to restrictions on Russian diesel exports. Compounding this issue, Middle East refineries were operating below their full capacity. These dynamics resulted in a 6.08 cents per litre lower contribution to the Basic Fuel Price (BFP) for petrol, but significantly higher contributions for diesel (182.62 cents per litre) and illuminating paraffin (143.32 cents per litre). Prices for Propane and Butane also decreased during this period.

Domestically, the Rand's performance against the US Dollar also played a role. The Rand depreciated slightly on average, moving from 16.34 to 16.46 Rand per US Dollar. This currency weakening led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices across the board: 6.37 cents per litre for petrol, 8.14 cents per litre for diesel, and 7.89 cents per litre for illuminating paraffin.

A significant component of the South Africa fuel price adjustment August 2026 is the implementation of the Slate Levy. This mechanism, designed to manage price volatility, saw its cumulative balance reach a negative R7.418 billion for petrol and diesel by the end of June 2026. In accordance with the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, a levy of 61.38 cents per litre will be applied to the price structures of both petrol and diesel from August 5, 2026. This new levy represents a decrease of 52.56 cents per litre from the previous rate of 113.94 cents per litre.

Regarding LPGas price changes South Africa 2026, specific pricing for imported LPGas through the Port of Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape province has also been set. The Maximum Refinery Gate Price (MRGP) for this imported LPGas will be R14,562.59 per metric ton, while the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) is set at R35.81 per kilogram. These figures are crucial for understanding the overall cost structure of LPGas in the region and contribute to the final retail adjustments.

The upcoming adjustments for ZA petrol diesel prices August 2026 highlight the ongoing sensitivity of South African fuel costs to global events and currency movements. While petrol users will benefit from a decrease, the substantial increases for diesel and illuminating paraffin are likely to impact various sectors, from transportation and logistics to households relying on paraffin for heating and cooking. The Minister of Mineral Petroleum Resources fuel prices announcement underscores the continuous need for vigilance regarding energy costs.

The detailed fuel price schedule for the different Magisterial District Zones (MDZ) is expected to be published on August 4, 2026, providing localized pricing information. Businesses with significant fuel consumption or contracts tied to fuel prices in South Africa should review their operational budgets and contractual agreements to account for these August 2026 price adjustments, particularly the substantial increases for diesel and illuminating paraffin, and the impact of the adjusted Slate Levy.

Businesses with significant fuel consumption or contracts tied to fuel prices in South Africa should review their operational budgets and contractual agreements to account for the August 2026 price adjustments, particularly the substantial increases for diesel and illuminating paraffin, and the impact of the adjusted Slate Levy.

Source: Original reporting via the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources