September fuel price: Here's what you're likely to pay for petrol and diesel from Wednesday

From Wednesday, September 2, expect significant hikes in petrol and diesel prices due to Middle East conflict-induced pressure on international oil costs. Central Energy Fund's month-end data suggests a 96-cent increase for 93 Unleaded petrol and 1.07 for 95 Unleaded petrol. Diesel prices may rise by up to 2.92, with 500ppm and 50ppm variants seeing adjustments of 2.71 and 2.92 respectively.

Illuminating paraffin also faces a rise of about 2.12. These estimates rely on unverified CEF data; official revisions are expected soon by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. The Slate Levy, set at 61 cents, could influence final price calculations. 2026 has been a volatile year for South African fuel prices, with 95 Unleaded petrol prices rising by R5.24 since March and diesel's wholesale price surging by R7.60 over the same period.

Currently, 95 Unleaded costs R25.30 at the coast and R26.17 inland, while 93 Unleaded is priced at R25.42. 500ppm diesel is currently at R25.29 at the coast and R26.16 inland. After decreasing by 52 cents per litre at the start of August, petrol costs peaked at R27.19 in June, while diesel's peak was R30.30 in May. International oil market volatility, sparked by the US-Israeli war with Iran in late February, has kept oil prices far above pre-war levels.

Brent Crude is currently around $90 per barrel, down from its year's highs of $126. JP Morgan Global Research anticipates Brent Crude averaging $86 per barrel in Q3 2026, dipping to $80 in Q4 and $78 by year-end. This forecast is based on larger-than-expected demand losses, smaller-than-anticipated commercial inventories drawdowns in OECD countries, and limited long-term damage to oil production in the Gulf region. However, uncertainty over OPEC's future adds complexity to oil price forecasts.