South African motorists are bracing for significant fuel price increases in September, with diesel expected to rise by up to R3.22 per litre according to the latest projections.

The Central Energy Fund (CEF) has released figures showing expected increases across all major fuel types. Motorists filling a 50-litre petrol tank will pay roughly R20 to R37 more, while diesel users could face an increase of R137 to R161 for the same amount.

Diesel is projected to have the most notable increase, with prices potentially rising by between R2.73 and R3.22 per litre. This would push the price close to R30 per litre.

Petrol 93 is expected to rise by up to 63 cents per litre, taking the price to around R25.82. Petrol 95 could increase by up to 74 cents, reaching approximately R26.09 per litre. Paraffin is projected to increase by up to R2.40 per litre.

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The estimates could still change before the government announces the final prices at the end of August.

Global geopolitics has contributed to the changes. Diesel has become more expensive to produce and import internationally, with supplies under extreme global pressure. Fuel transportation prices have also increased.

Tensions within and around international shipping routes have kept oil prices high. The rand has remained relatively stable against the United States dollar, limiting some of the petrol price increase but not enough to offset the sharp rise in diesel prices on an international scale.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will confirm the final fuel prices at the end of August. If approved, the increases would take effect on Tuesday, 1 September.

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