Fuel prices skyrocketed on 1 April 2026, with petrol hitting a two-year high and diesel breaking all previous records.

This is likely to impact the price of many staple foods, including bread, in the coming weeks and months.

The fuel price hikes will substantially increase production prices for farmers. Diesel accounts for between 12 and 18% of the average farmer’s costs.

In July 2022, South Africa's petrol prices hit R26.74 per litre, several months after Russia invaded Ukraine. In response, the government temporarily reduced fuel levies to ease the impact. It has done so again, on Tuesday, reducing the petrol levy from R4.10 a litre to R1.10 and the diesel levy from R3.93 a litre to 93 cents a litre. This levy is included in the price at the pump.

According to a joint statement from the Treasury and the Department of Mineral Resources, the measure is part of a broader strategy intended to “support households and key sectors of the economy”.

Chart produced in partnership with GroundUp.