South African drivers may face another hike in fuel prices this September, as the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) suggests rising costs for petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin. According to the figures, petrol prices could see an increase of about 83 cents per litre for 93-grade petrol and 94 cents for 95-grade petrol. Diesel prices are expected to experience a steeper climb, with potential rises of approximately R2.87 per litre for 0.05% sulphur diesel and R3.07 for 0.005% sulphur diesel. Additionally, illuminating paraffin might go up by around R2.24 per litre.
The surge in diesel prices is particularly concerning due to its extensive use across various sectors like freight, agriculture, construction, and mining. A notable increase in diesel costs could lead to higher transportation and operational expenses, which might, in turn, trickle down to affect food and consumer prices, adding financial pressure on households.
Earlier in August, the outlook was even more daunting, with petrol expected to rise by nearly R1 per litre and diesel facing potential hikes of almost R5 per litre. Although the latest projections show a slight improvement, the pressure on fuel costs remains significant. This ongoing upward trend is primarily influenced by international oil prices coupled with the rand-dollar exchange rate, both of which play a crucial role in determining South Africa’s monthly fuel price adjustments.
While the rand has shown a degree of resilience, providing some cushioning against these increases, higher petroleum prices on the global market continue to contribute to the under-recovery in fuel costs. It is important to note that the figures released by the CEF are preliminary and may be subject to change before the final fuel price adjustment is announced. The new prices are expected to come into effect starting 1 September 2026.