Here is the latest fuel price forecast for April 2026
· The South African
Ongoing instability in global oil markets, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, continues to pose a serious threat to fuel prices and inflation in South Africa.
Fresh developments linked to conflict involving Iran and Israel have kept markets on edge, with Brent crude rebounding above $100 per barrel after briefly easing earlier in the week.
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
Global Instability, Local Impact
Analysts warn that attacks on key energy infrastructure, including facilities near Ras Laffan Industrial City and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, are fuelling uncertainty over global oil supply.
According to the Central Energy Fund, recent data still shows steep under-recoveries, with petrol up to R5.82 per litre and diesel around R10.27.
This indicates that significant price hikes remain likely in the coming week.
Rand Weakness Adds to Pressure
A weaker rand is compounding the problem, increasing the cost of fuel imports.
South Africa’s fuel prices are influenced by international oil prices, the rand-dollar exchange rate, and taxes – making the country particularly vulnerable to global shocks.
Economists warn that rising fuel costs could drive broader inflation, increasing transport expenses, pushing up food and goods prices, and placing additional strain on household budgets.
Uncertain Outlook
While oil prices have retreated from recent highs above $115 per barrel, volatility remains the biggest concern.
With tensions showing little sign of easing, any further escalation could quickly push prices higher again.
For South Africans, the current environment signals continued uncertainty – and likely higher costs at the pump in the week – and perhaps months – ahead.
Latest forecast
Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF):
FUELPRICE CHANGEPetrol 93increase of 531 centsPetrol 95increase of 582 centsDiesel 0.05%increase of 1 013 centsDiesel 0.005%increase of 1 027 centsIlluminating Paraffinincrease of 1 163 centsIf the market conditions were to remain consistent for the remainder of the month – an unlikely scenario with the rand/dollar exchange rate fluctuating and the oil price ever changing – an increase of 531 cents per litre is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and an increase of 582 cents for 95 users is anticipated.
Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something between a 1 013 and 1 027 cents per litre increase.
Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to rise by 1 163 cents in price.
FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:
1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices
2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products
Oil price
At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $109.79 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.16/$.
The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed later in the month with the new prices taking effect at midnight on Tuesday, 31 March.