Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on 21 October 2026. Photo: Parliament of South Africa (@ParliamentofRSA).
South African motorists are set to benefit from temporary fuel levy reductions from 4 November 2026, following an announcement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
Speaking during the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on Wednesday, 21 October, Godongwana announced R10 billion in fuel levy relief to help households and businesses cope with rising fuel costs.
From 4 November until 1 December 2026, the fuel levy will be reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R3 per litre for diesel.
The relief will then be reduced from 2 December, with petrol receiving a R1 per litre levy reduction and diesel R1.50 per litre until 5 January 2027.
Relief for Households and Businesses
The announcement follows increasing pressure on consumers as global oil prices, affected by conflict in the Middle East, continue to influence local fuel costs.
The temporary reductions could ease transport and operating costs for motorists, farmers, transport operators and businesses.
However, the announced levy reductions do not guarantee equivalent decreases in pump prices, as monthly fuel prices are also influenced by international oil prices and exchange rates.
According to National Treasury, the R10 billion intervention will be funded through money transferred back from the Central Energy Fund to the National Revenue Fund.
While the measure offers temporary financial relief, it is currently scheduled to end on 5 January 2027.