South African motorists will feel the pinch from Wednesday, 3 June 2026, when the pump price of inland 95 unleaded petrol jumps to R28.06 per litre – the highest level ever recorded in the country. The surge comes despite a modest easing in global oil markets that, under normal circumstances, would have translated into cheaper fuel at home.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed the adjustment on Monday, noting that the new price breaks the previous record of R26.74 per litre set in July 2022 during the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Brent crude briefly slipped below the US$100‑a‑barrel mark in late May, the timing of South Africa’s tax and levy changes meant motorists are left to shoulder the cost.
Record petrol price driven by levy reversal and global volatility
The latest spike follows two months of extreme turbulence in the world oil market. Heightened tensions in the Middle East – chiefly the renewed US‑Iran standoff – effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for roughly 20 % of global oil supplies. Brent prices rocketed from US$93.67 per barrel to a peak of US$138 in April, keeping downstream costs high throughout May.
Although the rand held relatively firm between R16.30 and R16.65 per US$, cushioning some pressure, the National Treasury’s decision to roll back part of the fuel‑levy relief introduced earlier this year has undone any gains from the modest currency stability.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana had slashed the General Fuel Levy by R3.00 per litre for petrol and R3.93 per litre for diesel in April and May to protect consumers. For June, the Treasury is reinstating R1.50 per litre of that relief on petrol and raising the Slate Levy to R1.58 per litre to address a R14.2 billion industry deficit. The net effect of these fiscal moves outweighs the benefit of lower international crude prices, cementing the record pump price.
| Item | January 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 (adjusted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (R per litre) | 20.75 | 27.75 | 28.06 |
| Diesel (R per litre) | 19.34 | 31.88 | 29.26 |
| General Fuel Levy (R/L) | – | –3.00 | –1.50 (re‑added) |
| Slate Levy (R/L) | – | – | +1.58 |
The table shows that even though diesel enjoys a modest June‑month decline, petrol climbs to a historic high. The combined tax adjustments are the decisive factor pushing pump prices beyond previous records.
Industry voices are quick to stress that higher retail prices do not equate to higher profits for service stations. The South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA) welcomed the diesel relief but warned that petrol’s record price will further strain already tight household budgets. SAPRA National Chair Henry van der Merwe reminded readers that retailer margins are regulated and fixed, meaning stations cannot pass on the extra levy costs to their bottom line.
For many South Africans, the impact will be felt beyond the daily commute. Transport‑dependent sectors – from logistics firms to small‑scale farmers – have already been grappling with soaring operating costs. Lower diesel, paraffin and LPG prices should provide some respite, yet the lingering surge in petrol remains a drag on disposable income.
The fuel‑price saga underscores a broader challenge for the nation’s energy policy. While the government strives to balance fiscal responsibility with consumer protection, the timing of levy adjustments in a volatile global market can produce unintended consequences. As we have reported earlier, South Africa’s reliance on imported crude makes it especially vulnerable to geopolitical shocks that ripple through the supply chain.
Looking ahead, the Treasury has signalled that the current levy stance is a temporary measure aimed at stabilising the industry’s finances. However, with global oil markets still susceptible to geopolitical flare‑ups and the South African rand navigating its own volatility, motorists can expect further fluctuations in the months to come.
In the meantime, consumers are urged to monitor price changes closely and consider fuel‑efficiency measures where possible. Whether it’s consolidating trips, maintaining optimal tyre pressure, or exploring alternative transport options, every litre saved can soften the blow of record‑high petrol prices.