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Fuel price adjustment confirmed: Minister clarifies miscalculation for May

FUEL PRICES

Ashley Lechman|Published

A miscalculation in fuel levy adjustments has prompted necessary clarifications from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. With significant increases confirmed for petrol, diesel, and LPGas, readers will want to know how this will affect their wallets as of May 2026.

Image: AI / Sora

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has issued an erratum regarding the upcoming fuel price adjustments, set to take effect on 6 May 2026.

The announcement comes in the wake of a significant miscalculation involving the fuel levy on diesel, which has resulted in a necessary clarification from the Minister.

Initially, the department reported a reduction of 0.93 cents per litre in the fuel levy on diesel, an error that led to an inflated increase in the anticipated wholesale price.

Consequently, the wholesale price of diesel was inaccurately stated as having increased by R6.19 per litre instead of the correct figure of R5.27 per litre.

This discrepancy has prompted a rectification that officials hope will mitigate confusion among consumers and stakeholders alike.

In the corrected media statement, the department confirmed that the new adjustments for various fuel types are as follows:

  • Petrol 93 and 95 (ULP & LRP): Increase of R3.27 per litre
  • Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Increase of R5.27 per litre
  • Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Increase of R5.27 per litre
  • Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Increase of R4.22 per litre
  • SMNRP for IP: Increase of R5.63 per litre
  • Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: R5.07 per kilogram increase in Gauteng, R5.78 per kilogram increase in the Western Cape

In a statement on Wednesday, the (DMPR) said that the Minister has expressed regret over the error and assured the public that measures are being taken to ensure accurate and timely communication in the future.

As consumers brace for these changes, it remains crucial for the public to stay informed about fluctuations in fuel prices, as these adjustments have a direct impact on household budgets and the cost of living across the country.

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