South African motorists have been urged not to panic-buy fuel ahead of steep price increases that take effect on Wednesday, 7 October, pushing petrol prices to record levels.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed increases of R3.12 per litre for 93 petrol and R3.33 per litre for 95 petrol. Diesel will rise by between R2.84 and R3.24 per litre, depending on the grade, while illuminating paraffin will also increase sharply.
With inland 95 petrol moving above R30 per litre, government has appealed to motorists to avoid panic buying and instead use fuel more efficiently. Reports indicate that fuel industry associations are also on alert for a possible rush at filling stations ahead of the adjustment.
Photo: X @GovernmentZA
South Africa has previously experienced temporary shortages at some filling stations when motorists rushed to fill vehicles and containers ahead of major increases. Government has maintained that the national fuel supply remains stable, with earlier shortages linked largely to logistics pressure caused by panic buying and stockpiling.
The October increase is being driven mainly by significantly higher international oil and petroleum product prices. Brent crude averaged about $101 per barrel during the review period, up from $87.89, amid US-Iran tensions, uncertainty around oil movements through the Strait of Hormuz, higher shipping costs and lower inventories.
International petrol, diesel and paraffin prices also rose because of lower global product inventories and supply shortages. The rand, meanwhile, strengthened only marginally against the US dollar, providing little relief against the much larger international price increases.
The new prices come into effect at 00:01 on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, meaning motorists filling up from Wednesday will face some of the highest fuel costs South Africa has recorded.