Johannesburg, 2 April 2026 – The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed a significant increase in fuel prices effective from 1 April 2026, with diesel recording the largest monthly adjustment in recent years.
The official media statement issued by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources states that diesel prices rose by R7.37 per litre for the 0.05% sulphur grade and by R7.51 per litre for the 0.005% sulphur grade. These adjustments apply nationwide and are based on the monthly fuel price determination process.
Wholesale diesel prices have consequently reached approximately R26.11 per litre inland for 50ppm (0.005% sulphur) diesel and R25.35 per litre on the coast following the implementation on 1 April. Prior to the adjustment, wholesale prices for these grades stood at around R18.60 per litre inland.
The increases stem directly from international and local factors. The average Brent Crude oil price rose from US$69.08 to US$93.67 per barrel during the review period, driven by ongoing tensions between the US and Iran affecting supply through the Strait of Hormuz. International petroleum product prices contributed an additional R9.49 per litre to the basic fuel price of diesel. The rand also depreciated against the US dollar, moving from an average of R16.00 to R16.64 per dollar, adding 78.07 cents per litre to diesel costs.
A temporary relief measure has been applied to partially offset the hikes. The general fuel levy on diesel has been reduced by R3.00 per litre from 1 April to 5 May 2026, resulting in an effective levy of 116.0 cents per litre during this period. The Road Accident Fund levy on diesel increased by 7.0 cents per litre to 225.0 cents per litre, while other levies and transport tariff adjustments were also implemented across the 54 Magisterial District Pricing Zones.
Prior to the official adjustment taking effect, reports emerged of some filling stations across South Africa raising diesel pump prices in advance. Multiple accounts confirmed diesel reaching R27.50 per litre at certain outlets, with isolated cases documented at nearly R30 per litre, including a report from a station in Phoenix, Durban. These pre-adjustment increases prompted consumer complaints and instances of motorists queuing at pumps.
The full schedule of prices for all magisterial districts was published on 31 March 2026. Petrol prices also increased by R3.06 per litre for both 93 and 95 octane grades, while illuminating paraffin rose by R11.67 per litre wholesale.
This marks the implementation of the April 2026 fuel price changes as determined by current market conditions. Motorists are advised to check local pump prices, which may vary by zone, retailer margin, and location.
Police Officer Shot and Wounded in Armed Robbery at Boxer Store in Naledi, Soweto
Soweto – An armed robbery occurred at the Boxer store in Naledi, Soweto.
During the incident, a police officer was shot and sustained wounds. The officer was injured while responding to the robbery at the store.
Authorities have arrived at the scene and are currently present, managing operations in the area.
In light of the ongoing situation, residents of Naledi and surrounding parts of Soweto, along with motorists travelling through the vicinity, have been urged to stay clear of the location. The public has also been advised to remain vigilant as law enforcement continues its work at the Boxer store in Naledi.
No further details about the number of individuals involved in the robbery or the current condition of the injured officer have been released at this stage. The focus remains on securing the area and ensuring the safety of the community while the authorities handle the matter.
Local traffic and movement around the Naledi section of Soweto may be affected as a direct result of the police presence at the scene. Members of the public are asked to follow the guidance provided and avoid approaching the Boxer store or nearby streets until the situation is resolved.
This remains a developing incident in Naledi, Soweto, with law enforcement on site following the armed robbery that left one police officer wounded.
Man Shot Dead in Suspected Smash-and-Grab Incident on Jakes Gerwel Drive in Bonteheuwel
A 26-year-old man was shot and killed on Wednesday following an alleged smash-and-grab attack on a motorist along Jakes Gerwel Drive in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town.
According to police, officers responded to a complaint of a shooting at the corner of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Jakkalsvlei Avenue. On arrival, they found the man with gunshot wounds to his body. Medical personnel declared him dead at the scene. Police have opened a murder investigation and are still establishing the full circumstances of the incident. No arrests have been made.
Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie confirmed that a vehicle was attacked during the incident, after which the suspected smash-and-grab perpetrator was shot. Eyewitness accounts describe the man running into an open field near the road when the motorist opened fire.
Local observations reported that the man’s body remained in the open field after the shooting. Community members at the scene were heard responding with the phrase “Is reg so”. Children in the area continued playing around the body. Law enforcement personnel present indicated that such incidents occur daily on this stretch of Jakes Gerwel Drive.
Jakes Gerwel Drive, particularly the section between Bonteheuwel and Langa, has been repeatedly identified as a high-risk area for smash-and-grab robberies targeting motorists, often at traffic lights or slow-moving traffic. Ongoing concerns have been raised about violence linked to these crimes, including risks to residents from stray bullets and repeated attacks in the corridor.
- Diesel Prices Surge in South Africa Following Official April 2026 Adjustment
- Police Officer Shot and Wounded in Armed Robbery at Boxer Store in Naledi, Soweto
- Man Shot Dead in Suspected Smash-and-Grab Incident on Jakes Gerwel Drive in Bonteheuwel
- EVATON WEST TAXI ASSOCIATION MEMBER SHOT DEAD AT EVATON MALL HOURS BEFORE ATTENDING CHAIRMAN’S MEMORIAL
- Five Killed in Devastating Head-On Collision Involving Three Vehicles on N1 Near Mookgophong
Five Killed in Devastating Head-On Collision Involving Three Vehicles on N1 Near Mookgophong
MOKOPANE – Five people died and two others were seriously injured when three vehicles collided head-on on the N1-25 next to Boekenhout in the Waterberg District near Mookgophong, Limpopo, on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, at approximately 07:45.
The crash involved a Renault light motor vehicle that made a U-turn on the freeway, a Ford light delivery vehicle, and a Toyota light delivery vehicle. The high-impact collision caused extensive frontal damage to all three vehicles.
Two male drivers and three occupants from one of the vehicles were declared dead at the scene. Two additional passengers sustained serious injuries and were transported by emergency services to the FH Odendaal Hospital for further treatment.
Emergency personnel responded immediately and attended to the scene. Preliminary investigations indicate that reckless driving may have contributed to the collision, with the possibility that a driver was under the influence of alcohol.
The accident caused major traffic disruption on the N1, affecting both directions of the busy highway during the morning peak period.
The Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and called on all road users to exercise greater responsibility when driving.
Investigations into the exact circumstances of the crash are continuing. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
