June official fuel price changes bring relief for diesel users but petrol motorists face sharp increase

Petrol motorists will pay significantly more from 3 June, while diesel users enjoy price cuts of up to R3.25 per litre. South African motorists will experience a mixed start to June, withpetrol pricesset to rise significantly while diesel users benefit from substantial price cuts, following the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR). The new prices come into effect on 3 June 2026 and reflects the ongoingglobal geopolitical tensions, movements in international petroleum product prices and changes to thegovernment fuel levy relief measures.

According to the department, the average Brent crude oil price increased from $101 to $104.59 per barrel during the review period, largely driven by continued tensions between the United States and Iran, as well as the closure of theStrait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Despite higher crude oil prices, international prices for refined petroleum products fell during the review period, particularly for diesel and illuminating paraffin. “The prices of middle distillates (diesel and paraffin) decreased more than petrol prices because of lower seasonal demand as the northern hemisphere moves into summer,” the department said.

These lower international product prices reduced the basic fuel price contribution by approximately R0.30 per litre for petrol, R5.42 per litre for diesel and R5.82 per litre for illuminating paraffin. The rand also strengthened slightly against the US dollar during the review period, improving from an average of R16.65 to R16.52 against the greenback. This appreciation provided additional relief to fuel pricing calculations, lowering fuel costs by approximately R0.12 per litre for petrol, R0.15 per litre for diesel and R0.15 per litre for illuminating paraffin.

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However, these gains were offset by changes to the Slate Levy and the reduction of government fuel levy relief. The department confirmed that the cumulative slate balance for petrol and diesel stood at a negative R18.28 billion at the end of April 2026.

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