Amid significant hikes in fuel prices in 2026, South African drivers are cutting back on travel to manage household expenses. In April, petrol prices surged by R3.06 per litre, while diesel hit a record increase of R7.51 per litre. The government attempted to mitigate the financial burden with a temporary R3 per litre tax relief. However, prices continued to rise in May, with petrol and diesel climbing by R3.27 and R6.18 per litre, respectively.
Data from Discovery Insure reveals that these price hikes have led to a substantial reduction in travel. In April, fuel purchases dropped by 35 percent, and the number of trips taken decreased by 10 percent. The overall driving distance also fell by 9 percent, even during the typically busy Easter holiday period. According to Discovery Insure CEO Robert Attwell, the rising fuel costs are pushing motorists to be more discerning about their vehicle usage.
Further insights from Discovery Bank show that most fuel expenditures are now concentrated on essential travel, such as commuting, school transport, and shopping. Meanwhile, ride-hailing services are gaining popularity, particularly among younger consumers aged 18 to 30, as they seek alternatives to using personal vehicles.
Looking ahead, diesel users might find some relief with expected wholesale price reductions of up to R2.44 per litre. Conversely, petrol prices are projected to rise by approximately R1.69 per litre. The National Treasury is poised to begin phasing out the temporary fuel levy relief from June onwards, contingent on the stabilization of fuel prices.