Diesel price shock softened after error but pain at the pump remains

Diesel Price Increase Revised Down, But Fuel Still Nears Record Highs

A government miscalculation has brought slight relief for diesel motorists, but fuel prices are still set to climb to record levels from midnight.

The Central Energy Fund initially announced on Monday that diesel would increase by R6.19 per litre. However, that figure has now been revised down to R5.27 per litre after it emerged that the earlier calculation did not include government’s additional fuel levy relief.

Despite the adjustment, the increase remains steep and is expected to have significant knock-on effects across the economy, particularly in transport, logistics and agriculture.

Petrol prices are also rising, with an increase of R3.27 per litre confirmed. In Gauteng, 95 unleaded petrol will now cost approximately R26.63 per litre from Wednesday—approaching the record highs last seen in 2022.

Diesel, which is not regulated in the same way as petrol, is set to exceed R31 per litre, marking a new high.

The development has drawn concern from labour groups, including Congress of South African Trade Unions, which warned that the increase would further strain households and businesses already under financial pressure.

While the revised diesel figure offers marginal relief, economists say the broader impact remains unchanged. Higher fuel costs are expected to filter through supply chains, pushing up the price of goods and services in the coming weeks.

For consumers, the adjustment may soften the blow slightly—but with both petrol and diesel nearing historic highs, the cost of living is set to rise further.

This story was originally posted by eNCA