Fuel price increase for May 2026

South Africans are heading to the pumps tonight with a heavy heart as a massive fuel price hike takes effect at midnight. This adjustment marks one of the most severe blows to the local economy in recent years.

If you are planning to fill up, here is everything you need to know about the fuel price changes for May 2026.

Why the fuel price is skyrocketing

The primary driver behind this month’s surge is the escalating 2026 Iran crisis. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a critical maritime artery for 20% of global oil – has sent shockwaves through energy markets.

• Oil prices: Brent crude has leapt from roughly $93.67 to over $101 per barrel during the review period.
• The Rand: While the South African Rand remained relatively stable, averaging around R16.65 to the US Dollar, it provided no cushion against the massive spike in international petroleum product costs.
• The slate levy: To recover a R14.2 billion deficit in the fuel account, a slate levy of 122.70 cents per litre has been implemented for May by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

Government intervention: A small silver lining

Without intervention from National Treasury, the fuel price would have been even more catastrophic. The government has extended emergency relief measures:

• A R3.00 per litre reduction in the general fuel levy for petrol.
• A R3.93 per litre reduction for diesel (effectively bringing the diesel levy to zero).

Despite these measures, the net result is still a record-breaking increase due to the sheer scale of the global oil crisis.

Comparison: April 2026 vs May 2026

Last month, motorists were already struggling with petrol prices around R23.25 (inland). However, the May hike sees diesel breaching the R32 per litre mark for the first time, which will likely lead to rapid food price inflation and higher transport costs across the country.

Official fuel price changes (inland) – effective 6 May 2026