South African motorists and truckers are in for another heavy knock this May, with massive fuel price increases kicking in from Wednesday, 6 May 2026. The latest adjustment, announced by the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, shows sharp hikes across petrol, diesel, and paraffin, driven by global conflict and market pressure.
Petrol will climb by R3.27 per litre, while diesel takes a serious hit with an increase of R6.19 per litre at wholesale level. For the trucking industry, this one is going to sting properly, especially for operators running long-haul routes where fuel is already one of the biggest costs.
What’s Driving the Increase?
April was dominated by escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran, which caused wild swings in global oil prices. Hopes of a ceasefire briefly pushed oil down to around $95 a barrel, but that didn’t last long. Prices shot back above $100 after talks collapsed and a blockade was imposed in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route.
On top of that, the rand didn’t hold strong enough against the dollar, averaging around R16.64, adding more pressure to local fuel pricing.
Breakdown of the Increases
- Petrol 93: +R3.27 per litre
- Petrol 95: +R3.27 per litre
- Diesel (0.05% & 0.005%): +R6.19 per litre
- Illuminating Paraffin: +R4.22 per litre
- LPGAS (Gauteng): +R5.07 per kg
Relief Measures Not Enough
Government did extend its fuel tax relief, keeping the petrol levy cut at R3.00 per litre and diesel levy at zero. But that relief got wiped out by a sharp slate levy increase of R1.23 per litre, introduced to recover a massive under-recovery balance of over R14 billion.
What You’ll Pay at the Pumps
Inland Prices (May):
- Petrol 93: R26.52
- Petrol 95: R26.63
- Diesel: Over R32 per litre (wholesale)
Coastal Prices (May):
- Petrol 93: R25.73
- Petrol 95: R25.76
- Diesel: Around R31.22 per litre (wholesale)
Industry Impact
For truckers, this is more than just numbers on paper. A R6 jump in diesel can wipe out margins overnight. Expect higher transport costs, pressure on operators, and eventually price increases on goods across the board.
If this trend continues, many small fleet owners might be forced to park trucks or pass the cost straight down the line. Either way, the ripple effect is coming.
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
