February 2026 fuel price breakdown
- Petrol 95: ↓ 69c per litre
- Petrol 93: ↓ 66c per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: ↓ 71c per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: ↓ 63c per litre
- Key driver: Significant over-recovery supported by a stronger rand
- Note: Cuts are smaller than mid-January forecasts after oil prices firmed
Insightful expert analysis: Why fuel prices are falling again
South African motorists and businesses are set for meaningful relief in February 2026, with the Central Energy Fund (CEF) confirming another round of fuel price cuts. The reduction builds on January’s fuel price relief, when diesel dropped sharply and petrol prices also eased
👉 current fuel prices in South Africa
The confirmed over-recovery points to petrol price decreases of 66–69 cents per litre, while diesel is expected to fall by 63–71 cents per litre. For motorists, this translates into savings of up to R70 on a 50-litre tank, providing welcome breathing room amid stubborn living-cost pressures.
Why the cuts are smaller than expected
Mid-January data briefly suggested fuel price cuts exceeding R1 per litre, but those expectations were trimmed as global oil prices firmed. Renewed geopolitical uncertainty and trade tensions linked to ongoing US sanctions and tariff disputes pushed Brent crude from around $62 to $65 a barrel, limiting the final adjustment
👉 global trade tensions and US sanctions
The Rand is doing the heavy lifting
Despite oil price pressure, South Africa’s fuel outlook remains firmly positive thanks to the stellar performance of the rand. The currency strengthened to around R16.09/$, its best level in more than three years, sharply reducing the rand cost of imported fuel
👉 stronger rand brings relief for fuel prices
This resilience is underpinned by improving domestic fundamentals, including South Africa’s exit from the FATF grey list and upgraded growth expectations.
Why this matters beyond the pumps
Lower fuel prices ripple through the economy. They reduce transport and logistics costs, help stabilise food prices, and ease inflationary pressure.
Economists argue that sustained fuel relief and currency strength may allow the South African Reserve Bank greater flexibility when reviewing inflation and interest rate projections
👉 South African Reserve Bank current market rates
From December pain to February relief
February’s expected cut is especially significant when viewed against December’s fuel price hikes, which added up to 82c per litre and intensified household strain
👉 December fuel price increases
Bottom line
February’s fuel price drop is a clear win for South African motorists. While global risks remain, a strong rand continues to shield consumers from sharper fuel shocks — delivering real savings at the pumps and modest relief for the broader economy.
