Fuel | Here are April’s prices

(Photo: Pieter Cloete/Maroela Media)

The price of diesel rose at midnight on Tuesday by R7.51 per litre, the steepest rise yet, even despite the R3 reduction in the fuel levy that was granted shortly before.

The price of all grades of petrol rises at the same time by R3.06 per litre.

Maroela Media reported on Tuesday that Enoch Godongwana, the finance minister, announced that the government is temporarily cutting the fuel levy by R3 in an attempt to reduce pressure on South Africans due to the enormous increase in fuel prices.

The rise in the price of diesel – which has an enormous effect on everything from agricultural operations to the transport industry – is a particular source of concern.

This is what prices look like in April:

• Petrol (all grade): +R3.06/ℓ
• Diesel (0.05%): +R7.37/ℓ
• Diesel (0.005%): +R7.51/ℓ
• Paraffin (retail): +R15,60/ℓ
• Maximum retail price for gas: +R1,08/kg

Charges

Godongwana announced in his budget speech in February that the carbon fuel levy would be increased by 5c/ℓ for petrol and 6c/ℓ for diesel. At the same time, the levy for the Road Accident Fund will be increased by R2.25/ℓ on 1 April.

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to a rise in fuel prices worldwide, the temporary R3 reduction in the fuel levy has been introduced in South Africa. The finance minister made the decision in consultation with his counterpart at mineral and petroleum resources. This brings the fuel levy for petrol to R1.29 and for diesel to R1.16 – for the period 1 April to 5 May 2026.