July 2026 Petrol Price Forecast South Africa: Major Cuts Expected Despite Fuel Levy Return
July 2026 Petrol Price Forecast South Africa
A Much-Needed Break at the Pumps
After months of punishing fuel price hikes, South African motorists are finally set for a significant reprieve in July 2026. Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) points to substantial decreases for both petrol and diesel, offering some welcome relief for household budgets and the broader economy.
The main driver behind this positive outlook is a combination of a stronger rand and declining international oil prices, which have created a significant “over-recovery” in local fuel prices. However, the final cuts at the pump will be somewhat tempered as the government is set to end its temporary fuel levy relief program in July, meaning the full tax rate will be reinstated.
July 2026 Projected Fuel Price Cuts
The following tables show the projected decreases, factoring in the full reinstatement of the fuel levy, which adds R1.50 per litre back to petrol and R1.96 per litre back to diesel in July.
Inland Prices (Gauteng)
Coastal Prices (Durban, Cape Town)
| Fuel Type | Projected Change | Expected Price |
|---|---|---|
| 95 Petrol | ↓ ~R1.02 to R1.21 per litre | ~R26.04/l |
| Diesel 0.05% (500ppm) | ↓ ~R2.32 to R3.77 per litre | ~R24.68/l |
| Diesel 0.005% (50ppm) | ↓ ~R2.61 to R3.88 per litre | ~R25.29/l |
Note: The ranges in the tables account for variations in the latest data published by the CEF. Final prices may differ.
Important Caveats
While these projections are promising, final prices remain subject to change.
- Market Volatility: The outlook is based on current data and could be influenced by further fluctuations in the oil price and the rand/dollar exchange rate before the end of June.
- Slate Levy: The final price calculation may also include an adjustment for the Slate Levy, which is used to recover under-recoveries by fuel importers. Its inclusion could alter the net decrease at the pump.
The final, official fuel price adjustments for July will be announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources at the end of June, taking effect on 1 July 2026.
