Here is the official petrol price for August 2026

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMPR) has confirmed the official fuel price adjustments that will take effect from Wednesday, 5 August, with diesel motorists facing steep increases while petrol users receive modest relief.

The latest adjustments follow a volatile month in global oil markets, as renewed conflict in the Middle East sent crude prices sharply higher before easing towards the end of July.

Conflict pushes oil prices higher

July began on a positive note, with Brent crude trading close to $70 a barrel as oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz resumed during ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran.

However, that trend reversed after hostilities resumed midway through the month, temporarily disrupting shipping through the strategic waterway and pushing oil prices back towards $100 a barrel.

Although some tanker traffic later resumed, Brent crude remained elevated at around $83 per barrel by the end of the month, well above levels seen earlier in July.

Diesel hit hardest

The higher international oil price had a significant impact on South Africa’s fuel price recoveries.

Petrol’s over-recovery of around R2.50 per litre earlier in the month was almost entirely erased, ending July close to break-even.

Diesel experienced an even more dramatic turnaround, moving from an over-recovery of approximately R4.00 per litre to an under-recovery of about R1.80 per litre, paving the way for substantial increases at the pumps.

Slate levy provides petrol relief

Despite rising oil prices, petrol motorists avoided an increase after government reduced the slate levy by 53 cents per litre, helping offset the higher cost of imported fuel.

As a result, petrol prices will fall slightly from Wednesday, while diesel users will absorb the full impact of higher international prices.

The sharp rise in diesel prices is expected to place additional pressure on transport operators, farmers and businesses, with higher logistics costs likely to filter through to consumer prices in the coming weeks.

FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:

1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices.

2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products.

Oil price

At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $83.72 a barrel.

Exchange rate

At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.50/$.

New August 2026 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):