South African motorists could face record fuel prices in October, with the latest Central Energy Fund (CEF) data pointing to unleaded 95 petrol rising above R30 a litre inland.
The figures, based on fuel prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate up to 28 September 2026, show significant under-recoveries across petrol and diesel. The main pressure has come from higher international oil prices.
Unleaded 95 petrol is showing an under-recovery of R3.12 per litre. If the full increase were applied without changes to the slate levy, the inland price would rise from R26.92 to around R30.04 a litre. On the coast, it could reach approximately R29.17.
For a 45-litre tank, that would mean paying about R1,351.80 inland and R1,312.65 on the coast, an increase of R140.40 compared with September prices.
Unleaded 93 is also tracking higher, with a potential inland price of R29.69 a litre.
Diesel prices are facing similar pressure. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel could rise from R29.96 to R33.09 a litre inland, while 500ppm diesel could reach about R31.97.
The increases could also feed into the cost of transporting and producing goods, particularly because diesel is widely used in sectors such as agriculture, logistics and industry.
However, the figures are not yet the final October prices. Several days remained in the fuel-price review period, while changes to the slate levy could also affect the final adjustment.
The official October fuel prices are expected to be announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources early next week.
Main Image: The South African
