South African motorists may experience some relief at the pump in November 2026, as petrol and diesel prices are expected to decrease due to temporary fuel levy reductions. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced these cuts as part of a R10 billion relief package designed to alleviate financial pressure on consumers.
The government plans to reduce the general fuel levy by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R3 per litre for diesel throughout November. This measure could lead to a decrease in petrol prices by 23 cents per litre for petrol 93 and 38 cents per litre for petrol 95. Diesel prices might see a more significant drop, with diesel 0.05% expected to decline by R1.57 per litre and diesel 0.005% by R1.65 per litre, according to data from the Central Energy Fund as of October 27.
However, these projected reductions are preliminary and could change before the final pricing is announced. The cost of fuel in South Africa is heavily influenced by international oil prices and the rand-to-dollar exchange rate. Currently, Brent crude oil prices have risen to around $115 per barrel amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, while the rand has been trading between R16.50 and R16.65 against the US dollar. Any further increases in oil prices or a weakening of the rand could diminish the expected savings or even result in higher fuel prices.
The revised fuel prices are set to come into effect at midnight on November 3, pending any final adjustments. Motorists and consumers are advised to stay updated on these developments as they could impact household budgets significantly.