April 2026 fuel hike South Africa: R24.78 petrol, R25.96 diesel
Petrol at R24.78. Diesel at R25.96. This April 2026 fuel hike South Africa breaks records. Here’s why and how much you’ll pay.
This April 2026 fuel hike South Africa is the one we’ve been dreading. The first Wednesday of every month brings the ritual of checking new petrol prices. However, April 2026 isn’t just any old increase. It’s the mother of all price hikes – the kind that makes you want to sell your car and buy a bicycle.
Let’s get straight to the numbers. According to mid-March data from the Central Energy Fund, we’re facing a record-breaking increase. Filling up your bakkie won’t just hurt. It’ll leave permanent scars.
In this guide to the April 2026 fuel hike South Africa, we’ll cover exactly what you’ll pay, why it’s happening, and what you can do about it (spoiler: not much).
The April 2026 fuel hike South Africa means record prices at the pump. (Image: DriveZA)
What We’re Looking At: Numbers That Require Therapy
Here are the official projections from the Central Energy Fund for this April 2026 fuel hike South Africa:
| Fuel Type | Expected Increase | New Price (Inland, incl. tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol 95 | 427 cents per litre | R24.78 |
| Petrol 93 | 387 cents per litre | R24.27 |
| Diesel 0.05% | 704 cents per litre | R25.78 |
| Diesel 0.005% | 715 cents per litre | R25.96 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | 899 cents per litre | R21.53 |
Diesel is going up by over seven rand per litre. For a double cab with an 80-litre tank, that’s an extra R560 to fill up – a week’s groceries gone in a single pump click.
The highest petrol has ever been was R26.74 in July 2022. At R24.78, we’re dangerously close to that record. Therefore, this April 2026 fuel hike South Africa is a national financial event.
Why Is This Happening? Three Reasons for the April 2026 fuel hike South Africa
1. The Middle East Is on Fire (Again)
Brent crude has jumped from $64 to $106 a barrel – a 54% increase. The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil passes, has become a conflict zone. Consequently, South Africa’s import costs have skyrocketed.
2. The Rand Is Having a Meltdown
The rand has weakened from R16.31 to the dollar in February to around R16.85. Every cent the rand drops adds to the fuel price. Investec’s chief economist Annabel Bishop notes that “escalating market risk aversion drove the rand near R17.00/USD”.
3. The Government Adds More Tax
From 1 April, fuel taxes increase by another 21 cents per litre. The General Fuel Levy rises by 9 cents to R4.10, the RAF levy by 7 cents to R2.25, and the Carbon Levy by 5 cents. Total tax per litre? R6.35.
📊 April Tax Breakdown (Part of the April 2026 fuel hike South Africa)
What You’ll Actually Pay (The Part Where You Cry)
Here are the full inland and coastal prices resulting from this April 2026 fuel hike South Africa:
Inland Prices (Gauteng and beyond)
| Fuel Type | March Official | April Expected |
|---|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R20.19 | R24.27 |
| 95 Petrol | R20.30 | R24.78 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R18.53 | R25.78 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R18.60 | R25.96 |
Coastal Prices
| Fuel Type | March Official | April Expected |
|---|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R19.40 | R23.48 |
| 95 Petrol | R19.47 | R23.95 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R17.70 | R24.95 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R17.84 | R25.20 |
Diesel is now more expensive than petrol. That’s a direct result of this April 2026 fuel hike South Africa.
The Domino Effect: It’s Not Just About Your Car
The Road Freight Association’s Gavin Kelly warns that these increases affect everything – food, goods, transport. “All these sectors will feel the impact,” he said. Consequently, inflation is expected to rise by about 1% in April.
Therefore, the April 2026 fuel hike South Africa isn’t just a pump problem. It’s a cost-of-living crisis.
More from DriveZA on fuel and motoring costs
If you’re feeling the pinch from this April 2026 fuel hike South Africa, check out our Peugeot Landtrek review for a fuel-efficient bakkie alternative, or our Chery KP31 article on the future of bakkies. For EV options, see our solid-state battery guide.
For official fuel price data, visit the Automobile Association of South Africa or the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
What You Can Do About This April 2026 fuel hike South Africa
Frankly, not much. You can’t beat the market or the taxman. However, small changes help:
- Check tyre pressures – under-inflated tyres waste fuel
- Drive smoothly – aggressive acceleration burns more
- Carpool – share the pain (and the cost)
- Brace yourself – May could bring another increase
The Bottom Line on the April 2026 fuel hike South Africa
Filling up your car in April won’t be a transaction. It’ll be an experience. The kind that makes you sit in the driver’s seat, staring at the total, wondering where it all went wrong.
Petrol at R24.78. Diesel at R25.96. Paraffin up by nearly R9. These aren’t fuel prices – they’re a national tragedy with a nozzle.
And the government? They’re taking R6.35 of every litre. For doing absolutely nothing except existing.
Somewhere, Enoch Godongwana is smiling. The rest of us are just trying to make a tank last until the next payday.
Happy April. You’re going to need it.
