South Africa’s trucking, logistics and agricultural sectors are set to benefit from significant diesel price cuts from Wednesday, 3 June 2026, while petrol motorists face another painful increase at the pumps.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has officially announced the latest fuel price adjustments, confirming that diesel prices will drop by as much as R3.25 per litre. Petrol, however, will increase by R1.43 per litre across both grades.
The changes come after a month marked by volatility in global oil markets, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and adjustments to government fuel levy relief measures.
According to the DMPR, the average Brent crude oil price increased from $101 to $104.59 per barrel during the review period. The rise was largely attributed to ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, as well as disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Despite higher crude oil prices, international prices for refined petroleum products moved lower, particularly diesel and illuminating paraffin.
The department said lower seasonal demand for middle distillates in the Northern Hemisphere contributed to the decline in diesel prices.
A slightly stronger rand also helped ease fuel costs. The local currency strengthened from an average of R16.65 to R16.52 against the US dollar during the review period, providing additional relief in the fuel price calculation.
Read | Germany Moves to Fast-Track Foreign Truck Drivers as Shortage Bites Hard
However, much of the benefit from lower international product prices was offset by an increase in the Slate Levy and a reduction in government fuel levy relief.
The DMPR confirmed that the cumulative slate balance for petrol and diesel stood at a negative R18.28 billion at the end of April 2026. As a result, the Slate Levy has increased from R1.23 per litre to R1.58 per litre from 3 June.
At the same time, National Treasury has scaled back temporary fuel levy relief measures introduced to cushion consumers against global oil price shocks. The relief has been reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel for the month of June.
Official Fuel Price Adjustments Effective 3 June 2026
- Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): Increase of R1.43/litre
- Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): Increase of R1.43/litre
- Diesel 0.05% sulphur: Decrease of R3.25/litre
- Diesel 0.005% sulphur: Decrease of R2.62/litre
- Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale): Decrease of R5.96/litre
- Single Maximum National Retail Price for Paraffin: Decrease of R7.95/litre
- LPGas: Decrease of R0.17/kg nationally
- LPGas (Western Cape): Decrease of R0.20/kg
For South Africa’s trucking industry, the diesel reduction will come as a welcome relief after months of operating under high fuel costs. Fleet operators, owner-drivers and transport companies running long-haul routes can expect a noticeable reduction in operating expenses during June.
While households relying on petrol-powered vehicles will feel the impact of higher fuel costs, diesel users are likely to welcome one of the biggest monthly fuel price decreases seen in recent years.
The latest adjustment is expected to ease pressure on freight operators and could provide some support to transport costs across key sectors of the economy.
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
