Fuel shortages, – no need to panic – for now, however, substantial price increase is a reality!
South Africans are now facing higher fuel prices as global oil markets continue reacting to the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
There have been concerns about whether South Africa could face potential fuel shortages due to disruptions in global supply chains.
Our country has been in import mode for fuel since the closure of some of our oil refineries.
Responding to these concerns, Robert Maake, Director for Fuel Pricing Mechanism at the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, said the government is closely monitoring the situation and working with industry players to ensure fuel security.
According to Maake, several fuel shipments are already on their way to South Africa to support fuel supplies.
He stated that there is currently no reason for panic.
NATREF and Sasol’s Secunda operations, remains an important part of the country’s fuel supply mix.
Maake said that Astron, NATREF and Sasol Secunda combined supply a production of almost 360 million barrels per day.
Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe said the country is in ongoing talks with suppliers to stabilise the domestic supply of oil.
April Fuel price officially announced:
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has confirmed that the fuel prices for April 2026 will be adjusted as follows:
- Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP) – R3.06 per litre increase
- Petrol 95 ULP & LRP – R3.06 per litre increase
- Diesel (0.05%) sulphur – R7.37 per litre increase
- Diesel (0.005%) sulphur – R7.51 per litre increase
- Illuminating paraffin wholesale – R11.67 per litre increase.
As a result of these increases, this is what you will pay at the fuel stations:
- 93 Petrol R 23.25
- 95 Petrol R 23.36
- Diesel 0.05 R 25.90
- Diesel 0.005 R 26.11
Due to a reduction in the General Fuel Levy of R3.00 per litre of petrol and diesel the prices didn’t go up quite as much than expected!
New vehicle sales statistics show firm growth amid rising global and domestic pressures.
Total domestic new vehicle sales in March 2026 at 58 060 units, the best March figures since 2007, reflected an increase of 8 560 units, or 17,3% compared to the 49,500 vehicles sold in March 2025.
Export sales decreased to 37,388 units or 5,3% compared to the 39,499 vehicles exported in March 2025.
The March 2026 performance reflects a continued resilience in domestic demand, supported by improved consumer and business confidence.
Total passenger car sales for March 2026 at 39 370 units recorded an increase of 6 054 units, or 18,2%, compared to the new cars sold in March 2025.
Sales in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments reflected a positive performance during March 2026. Medium commercial vehicle sales at 823 units recorded a 14,0% increase compared to the 722 units sold in March 2025, while heavy trucks and buses, at 2 310 units, reflected a 14,5% increase compared to March 2025.
In closing I would like to thank Fleetwatch and Bussinestech for valuable and informative news, and also wish to compliment Naamsa for accurate and on-time statistics.
From all of us at CLC Trucks, we wish you a blessed and peaceful Easter weekend filled with joy and happiness. If you are travelling, please stay safe on the roads.
– Cobus Lourens –
