Petrol Price November 2026: Another Hike of R1.80 to R2.30 a Litre Expected
Prices and facts checked 17 October 2026. We don't accept payment for rankings.
On this page
Short answer: November 2026 is shaping up to be another petrol price increase, of roughly R1.80 to R2.30 a litre on mid-October numbers. That could take 95 unleaded inland from R30.25 to about R32 a litre or more. Diesel looks set to rise by about R1.00 to R1.50 a litre. These are projections, not official prices. The government announces the actual adjustment near the end of October, and reports expect it to take effect on Wednesday, 4 November (IOL, 17 Oct; Sowetan, 15 Oct).
Forecasts change daily. The numbers below come from Central Energy Fund (CEF) data in mid-October, as reported by the media. Oil prices and the rand can move a lot before month-end. We'll update this guide with the official prices.
Where prices are now (October 2026)
The October adjustment, effective 7 October 2026, was one of the biggest this year. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources raised petrol 95 by 333 cents a litre and petrol 93 by 312 cents. Diesel rose by 284.38 cents (0.05% sulphur) and 324.38 cents (0.005% sulphur) (Minister Mantashe's statement via Polity).
| Fuel (inland) | October 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Petrol 95 | R30.25/l |
| Petrol 93 | R29.88/l |
| Petrol 95 (coast) | R29.38/l |
Source: CAR magazine. Petrol was R26.92 a litre at the end of September, so October's price was the first time it went above R30.
What the November forecasts say
| Source and date | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Stuff, 13 Oct (early data) | +R2.69 (93), +R2.79 (95) | +R1.45 (500ppm), +R1.59 (50ppm) |
| Sowetan / CAR magazine, 14–16 Oct (CEF snapshot) | +R2.26 (93), +R2.27 (95), so 95 inland about R32.52 | +R1.37 (500ppm), +R1.46 (50ppm) |
| IOL, 17 Oct (latest data) | about +R1.80 | about +R1.00 |
Sources: Stuff, Sowetan, CAR magazine, IOL.
The trend is improving. IOL reports that recent daily under-recoveries for petrol (55 cents to R1.50) are pulling down the month's average of R2.73 a litre. The earlier fears of a R4-plus increase now look unlikely, but an increase still looks very likely.
Why fuel keeps getting more expensive
According to the October statement (via Polity):
- Crude oil: the average Brent price rose from $87.89 to $101 a barrel, driven by US-Iran tensions, uncertainty over oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and higher shipping costs.
- Refined product prices rose because of lower global inventories.
- The rand was almost flat against the dollar (R16.21), so it didn't offset the oil price rise.
- The slate levy: a levy of 87.66 c/l is being added to recover a R10.45 billion shortfall from earlier months.
Stuff reports that petrol could stay high until the government confirms any cut to the general fuel levy.
What R2 a litre more costs you
Simple arithmetic at different monthly fuel use:
| Litres a month | +R1.80/l | +R2.30/l |
|---|---|---|
| 60 l (small car, short commute) | +R108 | +R138 |
| 100 l | +R180 | +R230 |
| 150 l (long commute) | +R270 | +R345 |
On top of October's R3.33 rise, a 100-litre-a-month driver could be paying more than R500 a month more than in September.
How to cut your fuel bill
- Fill up before 4 November if the increase is confirmed. Prices change at midnight on the Tuesday.
- Use your fuel rewards. Many banks and retailers offer fuel rewards. Check the costs of the account first: see our bank fees comparison.
- Claim business travel if you get a travel allowance, using a logbook and SARS's rate per km. See our SARS rate per km guide.
- Drive more smoothly: steady speeds, correct tyre pressure and less idling all help.
- Ask about lift clubs and working from home days. Even one day a week saves a fifth of your commuting fuel.
FAQ
How much will petrol go up in November 2026?
Mid-October forecasts range from about R1.80 to R2.30 a litre, depending on the data date. The official adjustment is announced near the end of October.
When will the November fuel price change take effect?
Reports expect it on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
What is the petrol price in October 2026?
R30.25 a litre for 95 unleaded inland, and R29.38 at the coast, after a R3.33 increase on 7 October.
Why is petrol so expensive in South Africa right now?
Mainly higher international oil prices, which rose to about $101 a barrel on average in the review period, plus a slate levy recovering earlier shortfalls.
Will the government cut the fuel levy?
There's been no confirmed cut. Reports say a cut to the general fuel levy would be needed for meaningful relief.
Sources
Pages we used for this article, checked on or before the update date above.
- IOL, 17 Oct · iol.co.za
- Sowetan, 15 Oct · sowetan.co.za
- Minister Mantashe's statement via Polity · polity.org.za
- CAR magazine · carmag.co.za
- Stuff · stuff.co.za
- CAR magazine · carmag.co.za
Changelog: 17 Oct 2026, first published using mid-October Central Energy Fund data. We'll update this when the official November prices are announced.