Diesel Price in South Africa
Official Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) wholesale diesel prices for 50ppm (0.05% sulphur) and 10ppm (0.005% sulphur) grades, inland and coastal.
Current Prices — May 2026
Effective from 2026-05-07. Last change: decreased by R0.31 per R/litre.
| Product | Price (R/litre) |
|---|---|
| Diesel 0.05% sulphur (50ppm) — Inland | R21.40 |
| Diesel 0.05% sulphur (50ppm) — Coastal | R20.70 |
| Diesel 0.005% sulphur (10ppm) — Inland | R21.50 |
| Diesel 0.005% sulphur (10ppm) — Coastal | R20.80 |
Price History — Last 24 Months
Hover or tap any point to see the price in that month. Values come from the official Department of Mineral Resources and Energy monthly media statements.
Today's International Drivers
Rule of thumb: every $1/barrel Brent move ≈ 10c/litre BFP change; every 10c USD/ZAR move ≈ 14c/litre. Read more on the live Brent crude page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is diesel cheaper than petrol in SA?
Diesel carries no Road Accident Fund levy uplift on a like-for-like basis and historically had a lower General Fuel Levy. Refining margins for diesel are also typically narrower. However the gap narrows or reverses when global diesel demand spikes (e.g. European winter or shipping disruption).
What is the difference between 50ppm and 10ppm diesel?
50ppm contains up to 0.05% sulphur; 10ppm contains up to 0.005% sulphur. The 10ppm grade is cleaner-burning, mandatory in many new Euro-5/6 engines with diesel particulate filters, and is the only diesel sold at most modern petrol-station forecourts. 50ppm is still common for fleets and industrial use.
Is diesel regulated like petrol?
Partially. The DMRE publishes a wholesale diesel price each month (the figures above), but unlike petrol the retail margin is deregulated — service stations can add their own mark-up. Pump prices vary from station to station by 30–80c/litre.
When does the diesel price change?
The DMRE adjusts the wholesale diesel price on the first Wednesday of every month. The next adjustment is on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
Does the Brent crude price affect diesel?
Yes — diesel refined products track Brent closely. A $1/barrel rise in Brent typically lifts the diesel BFP by roughly 8–10 cents per litre, before the wholesale margin is added.