The National Treasury and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources have announced an extension of the temporary reduction in the general fuel levy, offering continued relief to motorists.
In a joint statement, the departments confirmed that the R3 per litre reduction on petrol, which was initially set to end in early May, will now remain in place until Tuesday, 2 June.
“To provide further relief and to address concerns of higher inflation and negative impacts on economic growth due to increasing fuel prices, the Minister of Finance proposes that the R3 per litre reduction in the general fuel levy for petrol is extended,” the statement read.
The relief measure was first introduced on 1 April 2026 and was originally scheduled to run until 5 May. It was aimed at cushioning households from rising fuel costs linked to ongoing pressures in global oil markets following the Middle East conflict.
Officials noted that the measure was designed to be fiscally neutral, with government expected to recover the foregone revenue within the framework of the 2026 Budget.
However, continued instability in the Middle East has kept global oil prices elevated, placing sustained pressure on domestic fuel prices and prompting the extension of the relief measure.
