Here are the latest petrol price figures for June 2026

South African motorists may finally get some breathing room in June after months of punishing fuel price hikes, with the latest data pointing to sharply lower diesel prices and only modest petrol increases.

According to the latest figures from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), fuel price recoveries have stabilised significantly compared to the extreme volatility experienced in April and May, when geopolitical tensions and soaring global oil prices triggered steep increases.

Petrol hikes expected to remain modest

If current trends hold through to month-end, petrol users are expected to see only marginal increases in June:

• Petrol 93: expected increase of around 10 cents per litre
• Petrol 95: expected increase of around 17 cents per litre

Although still increases, they are substantially lower than the sharp fuel hikes South Africans endured over the past two months. Recent industry forecasts, however, suggest these increases could climb higher once the fuel levy adjustment is factored in. Some analysts are warning that petrol could ultimately rise by closer to R1.80 to R2.20 per litre in June depending on final month-end recoveries and tax impacts.

Diesel users stand to benefit most

Diesel motorists and transport-reliant industries are expected to receive the biggest relief.

Current recoveries indicate:

• Diesel 0.05%: over-recovery of approximately R4.72 per litre
• Diesel 0.005%: over-recovery of approximately R3.84 per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: expected decrease of roughly R4.76 per litre

These projected decreases follow diesel price surges of nearly R13 per litre across April and May, driven largely by Middle East tensions and supply concerns affecting global energy markets.

However, even diesel users may not feel the full benefit, with levy changes expected to offset a portion of the projected cuts.

Why the outlook has improved

Analysts attribute the improving fuel outlook to two major factors.

Firstly, the rand has remained relatively resilient despite global uncertainty, trading mostly around R16.50 to the US dollar and avoiding prolonged weakness beyond R17/$.

Secondly, oil prices have stabilised somewhat, trading in a narrower range above $100 per barrel, easing the volatility that previously pushed fuel costs sharply higher.

Still, the outlook remains fragile. Ongoing tensions involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to create uncertainty, while the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that global oil inventories remain under pressure.

Fuel levy relief to be reduced in June

A major development since earlier projections is government’s confirmation that temporary fuel levy relief will begin to be phased out from 3 June.

The relief, introduced in April and extended through May to cushion consumers from soaring prices, will now be halved:

• Petrol levy relief: reduced from R3.00 to R1.50 per litre
• Diesel levy relief: reduced from R3.93 to R1.96 per litre

This means part of the savings motorists enjoyed over recent months will effectively be added back into pump prices in June. Government has further confirmed that the relief measures are expected to end entirely in July 2026, unless further intervention is announced. The temporary support is estimated to have cost the fiscus R17.2 billion in forgone tax revenue.

Fuel price formula under review

In another recent development, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed it is reviewing South Africa’s fuel pricing formula, which could eventually reshape how local fuel prices are calculated and regulated.

Details remain limited, but any changes could affect how future price shocks are absorbed by consumers.

What motorists can expect

Based on current projections, June is still shaping up to be a considerably better month than April or May – particularly for diesel users.

But economists caution that another oil surge above $120 per barrel, worsening geopolitical tensions, or renewed rand weakness could quickly erase the expected relief.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to announce the official June fuel price adjustments at the end of the month, with the new prices taking effect in early June.

Latest forecast

Below, the latest projections for June 2026 as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF):

If the market conditions were to remain consistent for the remainder of the month – an unlikely scenario with the rand/dollar exchange rate fluctuating and the oil price ever changing – an increase of 10 cents per litre is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and an increase of 17 cents for 95 users is anticipated.

Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something between a 384 and 472 cents per litre decrease.

Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to drop by 476 cents in price.

FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:

1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices

2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products

Oil price

At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $107.20 a barrel.

Exchange rate

At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.51/$.

The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed later in the month with the new prices taking effect at midnight on Tuesday, 2 June.

Current May 2026 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):