SOUTH African motorists are set to face record-high fuel prices from Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with significant increases expected across petrol and diesel.
According to the latest fuel price adjustments published by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, petrol 93 will increase by R3.12 per litre, while petrol 95 will rise by R3.33 per litre. Diesel prices will increase by up to R3.24 per litre.
The new prices will take effect at midnight on Tuesday, October 6.
The sharp increases are being driven mainly by higher international oil and petroleum product prices, putting additional pressure on motorists already dealing with rising living costs.
With fuel becoming increasingly expensive, CarTrends has compiled a few tips to help motorists reduce their fuel consumption and manage the impact on their pockets.
1. Walk more, drive less
For shorter trips, consider leaving the car at home and walking instead.
Walking not only saves fuel, but also provides an opportunity to get some exercise and improve your overall health.
If the destination is within a reasonable walking distance, there may be little reason to start the car and spend money on fuel.
2. Consider moving closer to work
For motorists who are renting, living closer to the workplace could help reduce monthly fuel costs.
If you are travelling long distances to and from work every day, consider looking for accommodation closer to your workplace.
While rent may be higher in some areas, the saving on fuel and commuting costs could make the move worthwhile in the long run.
3. Consider downsizing
If you are driving a large vehicle with a large-capacity engine, it may be worth considering a smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Modern vehicles offer motorists more choices, with several manufacturers producing relatively large and practical vehicles powered by smaller, more efficient engines.
Do your research before deciding and consider the vehicle’s fuel consumption, maintenance costs, insurance and overall running costs.
4. Go electric
If your circumstances allow it, switching to an electric vehicle (EV) could be another way of reducing your reliance on petrol and diesel.
Electric vehicles can be charged at home, meaning motorists do not necessarily have to rely on public charging stations for their daily driving needs.
Many vehicle manufacturers now offer home-charging solutions, making it easier for EV owners to charge their vehicles overnight and start the day with a full battery.
The bottom line
With fuel prices reaching record levels, motorists will need to find ways to reduce unnecessary trips and improve the efficiency of their daily commute.
Simple changes such as walking shorter distances, considering alternative accommodation closer to work, choosing a more fuel-efficient vehicle or switching to an EV could help reduce the impact of rising fuel prices on household budgets.
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