November 2026 Fuel Prices: Petrol Drops by 1 Cent While Diesel Gets R1.20 Reduction
November 2026 fuel prices bring a 1-cent petrol cut and up to R1.20 diesel relief, while paraffin and LPG become more expensive in South Africa. South African motorists are receiving a mixed fuel-price adjustment from Wednesday, 4 November 2026, with diesel users getting significantly more relief than petrol drivers.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed that both grades of petrol will decrease by just one cent per litre. Diesel prices will fall by approximately R1.10 to R1.20 per litre, depending on the sulphur grade.
However, not every fuel-related product is becoming cheaper. Wholesale illuminating paraffin will increase by R2.75 per litre, while the maximum retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will rise by R1.83 per kilogram in most areas and R2.08 per kilogram in the Western Cape.
The adjustments follow a difficult month for international energy markets, with higher crude oil prices, a weaker rand and increased international petroleum-product costs influencing South Africa’s fuel calculations.
November 2026 fuel price adjustments
The department announced the following official changes, effective from 4 November:
- Petrol 93: decreases by 1 cent per litre.
- Petrol 95: decreases by 1 cent per litre.
- Diesel 0.05% sulphur: decreases by 109.82 cents per litre.
- Diesel 0.005% sulphur: decreases by 119.82 cents per litre.
- Wholesale illuminating paraffin: increases by R2.75 per litre.
- LPG maximum retail price: increases by R1.83 per kilogram, with a R2.08 increase in the Western Cape.
The diesel adjustments are wholesale price changes, meaning the final price charged at individual filling stations may differ. For petrol motorists, the one-cent reduction represents very limited relief. Drivers using diesel, particularly businesses operating trucks and other commercial vehicles, will see a considerably larger reduction in the official wholesale price.
The increases in paraffin and LPG are also important because these products are used by households for cooking and heating, particularly where electricity is expensive or unavailable.
Why petrol prices are barely changing
The small petrol reduction comes despite temporary government intervention intended to protect consumers from higher fuel costs. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a temporary reduction in the General Fuel Levy during the October Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.
From 4 November until 1 December 2026, the levy is reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R3 per litre for diesel. The intervention was introduced to cushion households and businesses against rising international fuel costs. However, the levy reduction does not mean motorists receive the full amount as a direct pump-price saving. Other elements of the regulated fuel-price calculation can offset the relief.
One of the major factors affecting November’s adjustment was the increase in the Slate Levy. The Slate Levy is used within South Africa’s fuel-pricing system to account for differences between money collected through fuel prices and the costs incurred by the industry when international prices and exchange rates change.
The department announced that the levy would increase from 87.66 cents to 135.84 cents per litre.That increase absorbed a substantial portion of the potential relief that motorists might otherwise have received.
International oil prices put pressure on South Africa
South Africa imports crude oil and finished petroleum products at prices influenced by international markets. The department reported that the average Brent crude oil price increased from approximately US$101 to US$108 per barrel during the review period.
The increase was linked to uncertainty surrounding conflict in the Middle East, including reported attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure. Higher shipping and insurance costs also contributed to the pressure on international energy prices. International petroleum-product prices increased as well.
Diesel and other middle-distillate products faced pressure from tighter global supply, increased seasonal demand ahead of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and continuing geopolitical uncertainty. These developments contributed to higher basic fuel-price calculations for petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin. The result is that the temporary levy reductions could not prevent all fuel products from becoming more expensive.
The weaker rand adds another challenge
The exchange rate is another important factor in determining South African fuel prices. Because the country imports petroleum products, a weaker rand makes international fuel purchases more expensive when converted into local currency.
During the period under review, the rand depreciated against the US dollar, moving from an average of approximately R16.21 to R16.55 per dollar. According to the department, this increased the contribution to the basic fuel price for petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin.
The exchange rate matters because even when international oil prices remain unchanged, a weaker local currency can increase the amount South Africa pays for imported fuel. This is one reason local motorists can experience higher prices even when developments in the international oil market appear relatively stable.
What the changes mean for diesel drivers and businesses
The diesel reduction is the most significant positive development in November’s adjustment. Diesel is widely used by freight companies, agricultural businesses, construction operators, public transport providers and other commercial activities.
A reduction in wholesale diesel prices can help lower operating expenses for businesses that consume large quantities of fuel. Transport costs are particularly important because trucks move food, building materials, manufactured products and other goods across the country.
Lower diesel costs could therefore provide some financial breathing room for businesses operating large fleets. However, the benefit will depend on how individual suppliers and filling stations adjust their retail prices.
Diesel prices are not regulated in the same way as petrol retail prices. The department publishes the official wholesale price adjustment, while actual retail prices can differ between sellers. Consumers should therefore compare prices at different filling stations rather than assume every station will offer the same reduction.
Households face higher paraffin and LPG costs
The increases in illuminating paraffin and LPG will be another concern for households already dealing with high living expenses. Paraffin remains an important household energy source for some families, particularly in communities where access to affordable electricity and other cooking options is limited.
An increase of R2.75 per litre in the wholesale price could add pressure to household budgets. LPG users will also face higher costs from the adjustment. The maximum retail price increase is 183 cents per kilogram in most areas and 208 cents per kilogram in the Western Cape.
These increases are particularly important for households that rely on gas cylinders for cooking. Consumers should check the price charged by their suppliers and compare available options before purchasing.
What motorists should expect next
The November adjustment demonstrates how international oil markets, exchange rates, government levies and domestic pricing mechanisms work together to determine fuel costs in South Africa.
The temporary fuel levy relief is scheduled to change again after 1 December 2026, with the next phase running until 5 January 2027. Motorists should therefore not assume that November’s adjustment will remain unchanged throughout the festive season.
The next monthly fuel-price review will also depend on developments in international petroleum markets and the rand’s performance. For now, petrol drivers receive almost no relief, diesel users benefit from a more substantial reduction, and households using paraffin and LPG face higher costs.
South Africans are encouraged to plan their transport and household energy budgets carefully as the country enters the busy end-of-year period.