October 7, 2026 fuel adjustment likely to set record petrol and diesel prices in South Africa

On 7 October 2026 South Africa’s monthly fuel-price adjustment is expected to produce record inland petrol and wholesale diesel levels, with mid-September Central Energy Fund projections pointing to diesel near R32/litre and 95 petrol above the June record, raising near-term inflation and fiscal slate pressures.

If DMPR’s October adjustment aligns with CEF mid‑September projections, higher import-parity product costs (driven by Brent >$100 and widening refining margins) will directly lift pump and wholesale diesel prices. That raises CPI risk, increases transport operating costs for freight and taxis, and can enlarge the slate under-recovery that feeds fiscal pressure — with spillovers to sovereign funding needs if deficits widen.

DMPR publishes the official October price schedule in the final days of September ahead of 7 October implementation.