The price of SA diesel in May is under the microscope yet again, with another round of steep prices increases expected next week. Thankfully, government has seen fit to extend the R3.93 fuel levy reprieve as a means to ease South African motorists’ worries … for now.
However, SA diesel in May will come under renewed scrutiny as unscrupulous operators tamper with the fuel quality. Last month’s record diesel increases proved just how profit driven and greedy the industry is. Before official price increases came into effect, several operators jacked up their prices prematurely. They tried to take advantage of the motorists stockpiling diesel ahead of the increase.
SA DIESEL IN MAY
However, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMRE) then announced its temporary R3 fuel levy reprieve, which sent fuel station managers who’d jumped the gun into a tailspin. The point being that there’s nothing retailers won’t do to make a quick buck. Including potentially diluting the diesel they sell.
Hence the renewed warning for SA diesel in May, that dilution and contamination is likely. Even with the CEF’s latest snapshot of an under-recovery for diesel of around R5 per litre (this is still to be officially confirmed), diesel would move beyond R30 per litre for the first time ever in the country’s history.
100 ILLICIT FUEL DEPOTS IDENTIFIED
Moreover, private security company, Bidvest Protea Coin, says it has identified more than 100 illicit fuel depots with the help of helicopter surveillance teams. Typically, diesel dilution involves mixing a foreign substance like paraffin with the fuel (sometimes as high as 50%). Paraffin is not subject to the same taxes and levies that apply to fuel, and this allows filling stations to lower their prices, increase volumes and undercut the competition.
Not only does the practice have potentially disastrous consequences for vehicle owners, but it also robs the government of vital tax revenue. And the scale and frequency has only increased in recent years. A government investigation in 2023 confirmed 70 service stations were selling diesel contaminated paraffin. In 2025, a joint operation seized 2-million litres of bad diesel.
WARNING FOR SA DIESEL IN MAY 2026
Therefore, you’re advised to fill up with SA diesel in May only at reputable filling stations. If prices seem too good to be true, that’s probably because they are. The ramifications to consumers can be severe, damaging vital engine parts like the turbo and injectors in complicated diesel engines. It’s not worth it for a few hundred rand saving.
But what do you think? Have you fallen foul to bad diesel? Is diluted SA diesel in May inevitable considering the record-high prices? And should government be doing even more to stop these criminals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below …
