Fuel levy cut from 4 November 2026: how much less you'll pay for petrol and diesel
Photo: Rama, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR, via Wikimedia Commons
Petrol and diesel will carry a smaller fuel levy from 4 November 2026. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on 21 October 2026 that the general fuel levy will be cut by R1.50 a litre for petrol and R3 a litre for diesel until 1 December 2026 (SAnews).
How much is the fuel levy cut?
There are two stages (SAnews):
| Period | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| 4 November to 1 December 2026 | R1.50 a litre less | R3 a litre less |
| After that, until 5 January 2027 | R1 a litre less | R1.50 a litre less |
Will petrol be R1.50 cheaper in November?
Not necessarily by exactly that amount. The levy cut lowers one part of the price, but the monthly fuel price adjustment still depends on oil prices and the exchange rate, so the final November change could be bigger or smaller. For context, 95 petrol currently costs about R30.25 a litre inland and R29.38 at the coast (SAnews).
Why is government cutting the fuel levy?
To ease the cost of living. Fuel prices have hit record highs because Brent crude oil rose on the back of conflict in the Middle East, putting strain on households and businesses (SAnews).
How much does it cost and who pays for it?
The relief is worth about R10 billion. To fund it, R10 billion that had been transferred to the Central Energy Fund will be returned to the National Revenue Fund. Godongwana said this eases cost-of-living pressure "without compromising the sustainability of the budget" (SAnews).
When does the relief end?
The levy cut is temporary. The larger cut runs from 4 November to 1 December 2026, and the smaller cut runs until 5 January 2027 (SAnews).
FAQ
When does the fuel levy cut start?
On 4 November 2026, according to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's 2026 MTBPS announcement.
How much is the fuel levy cut for petrol?
R1.50 a litre from 4 November to 1 December 2026, then R1 a litre until 5 January 2027.
How much is the fuel levy cut for diesel?
R3 a litre from 4 November to 1 December 2026, then R1.50 a litre until 5 January 2027.
How is the fuel levy relief funded?
R10 billion previously transferred to the Central Energy Fund will be returned to the National Revenue Fund to pay for the relief.
Will the fuel price definitely drop in November 2026?
The levy cut lowers part of the price, but the monthly adjustment also depends on oil prices and the rand, so the final change is confirmed only when the official November fuel prices are announced.