Adjustment of Fuel Prices Effective from 4 February 2026
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr. Gwede Mantashe, has announced the official adjustment of fuel prices for February 2026. These adjustments, informed by a comprehensive review of local and international economic factors, will take effect on Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
1. Key Drivers of the Price Adjustment
South Africa’s fuel price remains sensitive to global market volatility. The adjustments for this period are primarily driven by the following three factors:
Crude Oil Market Dynamics: The average price of Brent Crude oil rose from $61.47 to $64.08 per barrel. This uptick was largely influenced by geopolitical instability involving Iran, Greenland, Kazakhstan, and Venezuela, alongside production disruptions in the United States caused by extreme weather.
International Product Prices: Despite rising crude costs, the international prices of finished petroleum products decreased due to healthy inventory levels. This provided a significant buffer, lowering the Basic Fuel Price (BFP) for petrol, diesel, and paraffin.
Currency Performance: The South African Rand showed resilience, appreciating against the US Dollar from an average of R16.85 to R16.31. This stronger exchange rate contributed to a further reduction in the landing cost of fuel
2. Regulatory and Levy Updates
Slate Levy: As of December 2025, the cumulative slate balance remained positive at R5.064 billion. Consequently, the Slate Levy will remain at 0.00 cents per litre, as per the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism.
LPGas Pricing (Western Cape): For LPGas imported via the Port of Saldanha Bay, the Maximum Refinery Gate Price (MRGP) is set at R12 878.33 per metric tonne, with a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of R33.58 per kilogram.
3. Summary of Fuel Price Changes
The following changes will be implemented across the various fuel categories:
Fuel Category | Price Adjustment |
Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP) | 65.00 c/l Decrease |
Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) | 65.00 c/l Decrease |
Diesel (0.05% Sulphur) | 50.00 c/l Decrease |
Diesel (0.005% Sulphur) | 57.00 c/l Decrease |
Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale) | 53.00 c/l Decrease |
SMNRP for Illuminating Paraffin | 70.00 c/l Decrease |
Maximum Retail Price: LPGas | 31.00 c/kg Increase* |
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