South African motorists are enjoying a second consecutive month of fuel price relief, with significant reductions taking effect from February 4, 2026, following favourable global oil prices and a stronger rand.
Fuel prices across South Africa declined for a second consecutive month from February 4, 2026, bringing welcome relief to motorists and transport-reliant sectors. The latest adjustment was announced by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe and reflects a combination of easing international oil prices and a stronger rand during the review period.
According to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, petrol prices dropped by 65 cents per litre for both 93 and 95 octane grades, while diesel prices declined by between 50 and 57 cents per litre at the wholesale level. Illuminating paraffin also saw a reduction, with the single maximum national retail price falling by 70 cents per litre.
As a result, inland motorists are paying around R19.99 per litre for 93 unleaded petrol and roughly R20.10 for 95 unleaded, the lowest levels recorded since early 2022. Coastal regions, including Cape Town and Durban, are seeing even lower prices, with 95 unleaded petrol averaging about R19.27 per litre.
The main driver behind the reductions was the strengthening of the rand, which appreciated from around R16.85 to approximately R16.31 against the US dollar during the review period. Moderating global oil prices also contributed to over-recoveries in the basic fuel price calculation.
The back-to-back cuts have been welcomed by commuters, farmers, logistics operators and small businesses, all of whom are sensitive to fuel costs. However, analysts caution that the relief may be temporary, as broader economic pressures such as inflation, unemployment and unchanged fuel levies continue to weigh on household budgets.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is expected to announce the next fuel price adjustment in early March 2026. Motorists are advised to confirm exact pump prices with local fuel stations, as minor regional variations may apply.