Petrol Prices to Drop 1 Cent Wednesday

South Africa's fuel price changes take effect Wednesday, with petrol down marginally while diesel and LP gas prices shift in opposite directions.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Oil and Gas

Isometric editorial illustration of a plain fuel storage tank, pump nozzle, and smaller drums on a concrete pad in oxblood, teal, mustard, and cream. — South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will cut petrol prices by one cent per litre and diesel by up to R1.19 per litre from Wednesday, 4 November. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will decrease 93-octane and 95-octane petrol prices by 1 cent per litre, with fuel price changes taking effect on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Diesel prices will fall by R1.09 per litre for 500ppm sulphur diesel and R1.19 per litre for 50ppm sulphur diesel.

Why it matters

The announcement lands as households are already under financial strain, and the petrol price hike referenced in projections is expected to add pressure. Motorists with petrol-guzzling vehicles may consider more fuel-efficient or electric alternatives.

Diesel falls by R1.09 per litre for 500ppm sulphur and R1.19 per litre for 50ppm sulphur, while illuminating paraffin rises by R2.75 per litre. LP gas increases by R1.83 per kilogramme countrywide and R2.08 per kilogramme in the Western Cape.

The players

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

The South African government department responsible for regulating mineral resources and energy policy, including the announcement of fuel price adjustments.

The details

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced the fuel price changes, which take effect on Wednesday. The mixed adjustments mean petrol prices fall only slightly while diesel prices decline more sharply and LP gas and illuminating paraffin rise.

Wednesday, 4 November 2026: Fuel price changes take effect.
This week: South Africa holds local government elections.

Market Landscape

The adjustment follows South Africa's established regulated fuel pricing framework, administered by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. Divergent movements across petrol, diesel, and LP gas reflect separate price components within that framework.

Drivers of diesel vehicles will see lower pump prices from Wednesday, while petrol drivers will save only 1 cent per litre. Households relying on LP gas, particularly in the Western Cape, will face higher costs.

The takeaway

Drivers of petrol-dependent vehicles should weigh the limited relief against longer-term fuel costs when planning their next purchase. Households using LP gas should budget for the increase, especially in the Western Cape.