The South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) notes the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ confirmation of significant fuel price increases effective 1 April 2026, alongside short-term tax relief measures, announced with National Treasury.
On 31 March 2026, the Department confirmed sharp April fuel hikes driven by a surge in global oil prices and a weaker rand. The average Brent crude price rose from $69.08 to $93.67 over the review period, while the rand depreciated from R16.00 to R16.64 per US dollar. In response, government introduced a temporary R3.00/litre reduction in the general fuel levy from 1 April to 5 May 2026 as part of a joint relief package.
Even with this intervention, the April adjustments remain substantial: petrol increased by R3.06/litre, diesel (0.05%) by R7.37/litre, and diesel (0.005%) by R7.51/litre, with additional zone-level variation possible due to transport tariffs and octane differentials.
Using Department-published March wholesale pricing as a baseline, inland (Gauteng, Zone 9C) diesel 0.005% stood at R18.6023/litre as of 4 March 2026. Applying the national increase for scenario modelling suggests an implied April inland wholesale price of approximately R26.11/litre.
“These fuel movements are a loud and immediate reminder: when our corridors stall, the cost doesn’t just show up in delayed containers – it shows up in litres burned, in higher transport inflation, and in reduced competitiveness for South African trade,” SAFLA CEO Dave Logan said.
SAFLA reiterated its operator-led mandate to focus on measurable improvements at the “coalface” of trade: border delays, permit duplication and valuation disputes, with direct engagement planned with SARS, Transnet, the Border Management Authority and other controlling authorities impacting freight movement.
SAFLA called for accelerated, data-driven interventions at key corridors and ports to reduce dwell times and improve predictability – steps that can lower fuel burn and stabilise the cost of moving goods.
