South African Motorists Face Fuel Price Cuts in November

South African fuel prices are projected to decrease on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, driven by temporary cuts to the General Fuel Levy that will offset upward pressure from international oil markets. Projections based on Central Energy Fund data indicate reductions of 49 cents a litre for 95 unleaded petrol and up to R1.68 a litre for diesel, pending final announcements from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

The anticipated changes follow a turbulent period for motorists, who have experienced steep fuel price increases throughout the year. Petrol prices have climbed by nearly R10 per litre since March, pushing 95 unleaded from R19.92 to R29.38 in October, while 500ppm diesel has surged by approximately R13 over the same period, reaching R31.08.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana allocated R10 billion toward a temporary two-phase relief intervention to assist consumers ahead of local government elections and upcoming holiday travel. During the first phase, running from November 4 to December 1, the General Fuel Levy is reduced by R1.50 a litre for petrol and R3.00 a litre for diesel. In the second phase, spanning from December 2 to January 5, 2027, the tax reduction will narrow to R1.00 a litre for petrol and R1.50 a litre for diesel.

Were it not for these temporary fiscal measures, analysts note that rising international oil costs—fueled by escalating conflicts in the Middle East, security threats to energy infrastructure, and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—would have driven fuel prices up by as much as R1.16 per litre for petrol and R1.42 for diesel.

With the adjustments factored in, projected retail prices for 95 unleaded petrol are expected to hover around R28.96 at the coast and R29.83 inland, where 93 unleaded petrol will retail around R29.46. Meanwhile, wholesale diesel prices for 500ppm are anticipated to drop to R29.50 at the coast and R30.37 inland, with 50ppm diesel priced at R30.25 and R31.12 respectively. Additional factors, such as the Slate Levy, may also impact the final published adjustments.

While the temporary relief offers short-term savings for holiday travelers, economists have warned that cutting fuel taxes could strain public finances, weaken the local currency, or force government spending cuts elsewhere. Minister Godongwana stated that while the government ultimately hopes to phase out the General Fuel Levy, replacing the roughly R80 billion in annual revenue it generates remains a significant challenge, with a separate review of the fuel price structure expected to conclude by March 2027.