September fuel price prediction: Diesel could rise by almost R3 a litre

South African motorists could face another fuel-price increase in September, with current mid-month data pointing to higher prices for petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin.

The biggest concern is diesel. Current estimates based on Central Energy Fund recovery data indicate that diesel could increase by between R2.73 and R2.89 per litre when the next monthly adjustment takes effect.

Petrol is also expected to become more expensive, although the projected increases are smaller than those facing diesel users.

Current September fuel price outlook

If these estimates remain unchanged, inland 95-octane petrol could rise from about R25.58 a litre in August to approximately R26.32 in September. Wholesale 0.005% diesel could move from about R26.90 to R29.79 per litre.

The figures are not final. Fuel prices are adjusted monthly and are influenced by international petroleum-product prices, the rand-dollar exchange rate and local levies. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, working with the Central Energy Fund, will announce the official September adjustment closer to the time.

The current outlook follows a sharp increase in fuel costs during 2026. While the rand has strengthened somewhat against the US dollar, helping to reduce part of the pressure on local fuel prices, high international oil and diesel prices remain a major factor.

For households and businesses, a large diesel increase could have a wider knock-on effect. Diesel is central to road freight, farming, public transport and backup power, meaning the higher cost can filter through to food distribution, goods and transport costs.

The official fuel-price adjustment is expected to take effect on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. Motorists should treat the current figures as an indication rather than a confirmed price change, as the recovery data can still move before month-end.