Fuel prices drop in South Africa: Here’s what you’ll pay from February 4, 2026

South Africans will get some financial relief at the fuel pumps from Wednesday, 4 February 2026, as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announces a notable reduction in the prices of petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin. The price adjustments, released on Monday, reflect a mix of global oil market movements, currency gains, and shifting supply conditions.

Petrol, Diesel and Paraffin Prices to Fall

Motorists using petrol 93 and 95, including both unleaded and lead replacement variants, will pay 65 cents less per litre nationwide. This reduction applies at all retail fuel stations and comes as welcome news for households and businesses battling high transport and logistics costs.

Diesel users will also benefit, although the cuts vary depending on sulphur content. The wholesale price of diesel with 0.05% sulphur will decrease by 50 cents per litre, while diesel with 0.005% sulphur will drop by 57 cents per litre.

For millions of low-income households that rely on illuminating paraffin for cooking and lighting, the fuel will be 53 cents cheaper per litre at wholesale level. The maximum national retail price of paraffin will fall by an even bigger 70 cents, providing some breathing room for vulnerable communities.

LPG Prices Buck the Trend

In contrast to the downward trend, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices will increase. The maximum retail price of LPG will rise by 31 cents per kilogramme nationally, while consumers in the Western Cape will see a sharper increase of 36 cents per kilogramme. The hike is linked to higher global propane and butane prices, driven by cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere and tighter international supply.

Why Are Fuel Prices Falling?

According to the department, the price changes are the result of several interacting factors:

• Brent crude oil prices averaged $64.08 per barrel, up from $61.47 in the previous review period.

  
  
  

• The increase in crude oil prices was influenced by geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Greenland, Kazakhstan, and Venezuela, as well as extreme cold weather disrupting oil production in parts of the United States.

• Despite higher crude prices, international refined fuel prices declined, largely due to improved inventory levels.

• The South African rand strengthened significantly, appreciating from an average of R16.85 to R16.31 against the US dollar, which reduced fuel import costs.

The stronger rand played a major role in cushioning local fuel prices, offsetting the impact of rising global oil prices and allowing for overall reductions at the pumps.

Slate Levy Remains Unchanged

The department confirmed that, in line with the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, the slate levy will remain at zero cents per litre for both petrol and diesel. This decision helped ensure that the fuel price decreases were not eroded by additional levies.

Official Fuel Prices From February 4, 2026

Inland Prices (Official):

• Petrol 93: R19.99 (from R20.64)

• Petrol 95: R20.10 (from R20.75)

• Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): R17.91

  
  
  

• Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): R17.95

• Illuminating Paraffin: R12.10

• LPG (per kg): R34.74

Coastal Prices (Official):

• Petrol 93: R19.20

• Petrol 95: R19.27

• Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): R17.08

• Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): R17.19

• Illuminating Paraffin: R11.08

• LPG (per kg): R31.48

• LPG (Saldanha): R33.58

(Diesel prices reflect wholesale rates; pump prices may vary.)

What This Means for South Africans

The February fuel price cut is expected to ease pressure on transport costs, food prices, and household budgets. While LPG users face an increase, the overall reduction in petrol, diesel, and paraffin prices could help slow inflation and support economic activity in the short term.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are petrol prices decreasing in February 2026?
Petrol prices are falling due to a stronger rand and lower international refined fuel prices, despite higher crude oil prices.

How much cheaper will petrol be from February 4, 2026?
Both petrol 93 and 95 will be 65 cents cheaper per litre.

Are diesel prices going down too?
Yes. Diesel prices will drop by between 50 and 57 cents per litre at wholesale level.

Why is LPG becoming more expensive?
LPG prices are rising because of higher global propane and butane prices caused by cold weather and tighter supply.

Will the slate levy affect fuel prices?
No. The slate levy remains unchanged at zero cents per litre.