Petrol stations across Tshwane were packed on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, as drivers queued to fill up before fuel prices rose at midnight.
From Wednesday, 6 May, 93 and 95 petrol increased by R3.27 per litre, diesel by R6.19 per litre for both 0.05% and 0.005% sulphur. Illuminating paraffin will increase by R4.22 per litre, and LPG will increase by R5.07 per kilogram in Gauteng.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed the adjustments in a media statement released on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. The increases follow the end of the government’s temporary R3.00 per litre reduction in the general fuel levy from April, which expires at midnight on Tuesday, 5 May.
The statement said a new temporary reduction of 300.0 cents per litre for petrol and 393.0 cents per litre for diesel will be in place from 6 May to 2 June 2026. The adjustments also include a state levy of 122.70 cents per litre on petrol and diesel to recover a negative balance of R14.173 billion in the fuel price stabilisation fund.
“This hike will cut into my monthly budget for transport, so I’ll need to adjust and fix my budget by cutting back on other expenses. I plan to fill the tank before midnight to avoid the higher price, and I may need to limit non-essential trips,” said Thabo Kunene, a motorist.
“As a parent, this fuel hike will affect both my household budget and my own money for getting to work, since school transport and taxi fares often increase when petrol prices rise. I’ll have to adjust and fix my budget by reducing spending on other areas to cover both my child’s transport and my daily commute,” said a parent and passenger.
Motorists were seen filling up at stations across the city on Tuesday evening ahead of the midnight deadline.
The department said the adjustments reflect changes in international petroleum product prices and the rand exchange rate during the review period.
In a statement, uMkhonto weSizwe Party (“MK Party”) called for permanent cuts to fuel levies to bring down pump prices, alongside the strategic use of national fuel reserves to cushion global shocks. The party said South Africa must rebuild its energy capacity by reinvesting in refining, expanding coal-to-liquid production, and reducing import dependence, supported by the creation of a state petroleum company to stabilize pricing.
“At the same time, we demand targeted relief measures, such as subsidised public transport, protection for paraffin users, and support for farmers and small businesses. Ultimately, we must pursue long-term energy independence through alternative fuels and stronger local production to reduce our reliance on volatile global oil markets,” the party said.
The statement added that the MK Party stands with the people. “We will not sit idle while this government forces you to pay more for less. We will continue to fight for lower fuel prices and economic justice. We are a party that puts citizens first,” the statement concluded.