Kinshasa, May 4th, 2026 (CPA).- The South African government has announced on Monday a significant rise in fuel prices at the pump, effective from May 6th, 2026, in a context of tensions on the international oil market and of increasing crude oil prices, international media have reported. “The authorities explain that these adjustments are mainly due to the rise in the average price of Brent, which rose from $93.67 to $101 per barrel over the reference period, equivalent to approximately $5.63 to $6.07 per litre, in a context of persistent tensions in the Middle East, logistical disruptions and constraints on world supply, has declared Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s Minister in charge of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
According to Gwede Mantashe, gasoline (93 and 95 octane, ULP and LRP) is increasing by US$0.20 per litre, whilst diesel (0.05% and 0.005% sulphur) is seeing a more significant rise of US$0.37 per litre. The wholesale lighting paraffin is rising by USD 0.25 per litre, and the SMNRP for paraffin is increasing by USD 0.34 per litre. LPG is also seeing price rises, with the maximum retail price increased by USD 0.30/kg in Gauteng and USD 0.35/kg in the Western Cape. The middle distillates, particularly diesel, have been particularly affected by sustained demand and the contraction in supply from the Persian Gulf.
On the currency front, the rand has remained relatively stable against the US dollar, trading between 16.64 and 16.65 rand per USD, with a marginal impact on price formation. Furthermore, the cumulative balance of the regulatory mechanism (‘slate’) stood at -14.173 billion rand at the end of March 2026, equivalent to approximately -0.85 billion USD, leading to the application of a slate levy of 0.007 USD per litre from 6 May, in accordance with the automatic adjustment mechanism.
At the same time, the government announced a temporary reduction in the general fuel tax to mitigate the impact of the increase. This is set at USD 0.18 per litre for petrol and USD 0.24 per litre for diesel, applicable from May 6th to June 2nd, 2026. Finally, the maximum ex-refinery price for LPG imported via the port of Saldanha Bay is set at USD 1,103 per metric tonne (or USD 2.45/kg), effective from May 6th, 2026. The detailed price schedule by magisterial district will be published on May 5th.