Cars.co.za report offers interesting insights
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
- Dealer News
- 22 September 2026
Motorists and households already under pressure will have to dig deeper into their pockets yet again from Wednesday, with sharp fuel and energy price hikes taking effect across South Africa.
The latest adjustments, announced by the Central Energy Fund on behalf of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, point to a significant rise in both petrol and diesel, while users of gas and paraffin are also not spared.
The increases, which come into effect on 6 May 2026, are substantial and will be felt immediately at the pumps and in household budgets.
What is changing from Wednesday:
This means inland petrol 95 will now sit at around R26.63 per litre, up from roughly R23.36, while diesel wholesale prices push above R32.00 per litre depending on the grade.
The scale of the increase is largely driven by higher international oil prices and a weaker rand, both of which pushed up the Basic Fuel Price during the review period.
At the same time, government has kept a temporary fuel levy relief in place for petrol, while increasing relief on diesel to R3.93 per litre, in an effort to soften the blow slightly. However, this has not been enough to offset the overall rise.
A major additional contributor is the slate levy, which has been increased to R1.23 per litre to recover a large under recovery balance in the fuel price system.
How the fuel price is made up
Fuel prices in South Africa are made up of several regulated and market driven components. Petrol, in particular, is tightly controlled, with margins and pump prices set by government.
Recent fuel price trend (selected months)
Date |
Petrol 95 Inland |
Diesel Inland |
Apr 2026 |
R23.36 |
R25.91 |
Mar 2026 |
R20.30 |
R18.54 |
Jan 2026 |
R20.75 |
R18.42 |
Oct 2025 |
R21.63 |
R19.34 |
May 2025 |
R21.40 |
R18.90 |
May 2026 |
R26.63 |
R32.10 |
The latest increase reinforces how sensitive local fuel prices are to global oil markets, currency movements and domestic levies. For consumers, the result is clear: from Wednesday, filling up a tank or buying gas will cost significantly more, adding further strain to already tight household budgets.
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
Nissan has introduced the Tekton, a new compact SUV for the South African market. The model is built on the Renault‑Nissan alliance’s CMF‑B platform and is closely related to the Renault Duster, sharing engines and mechanical components.
At the recent DealerCon 2026, hosted by Cars.co.za automotive excellence was celebrated by honouring top executives in the automotive retails industry.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
Car recalls often raise concern among owners, but the National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA) says recall campaigns show that manufacturers are accountable and committed to quality, safety and customer care.
Affordability is driving a structural shift in South Africa’s vehicle market, with SUVs gaining significant ground as consumers increasingly seek competitively priced, well-equipped vehicles.
South Africa’s used car market continued to grow during the first half of 2026, despite pressure on household budgets and a 25 basis point interest rate increase in May.