“We note the fuel price changes effective 3 June 2026. While the reduction in diesel prices — approximately R3.25/l for 0.05% sulphur diesel and R2.62/l for 0.005% sulphur diesel — is a welcome, if partial, reprieve for long-haul freight operators, the RFA notes with concern that petrol prices have increased by R1.43/l across both 93 and 95 octane grades.”
This is according to Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA), who said the announcement warrants closer examination.
The association noted that diesel remains the lifeblood of the road freight industry, typically accounting for between 30% and 50% of an operator’s total operating costs. As a result, even modest changes in diesel pricing can have a significant impact on the sector’s overall cost structure.
“The diesel decrease will provide some relief to operators of heavy commercial vehicles, who have absorbed elevated fuel costs over recent months. However, the petrol increase will be felt across lighter commercial fleets, company vehicles, and — critically — by employees whose commuting costs directly influence wage expectations,” added the RFA.
Furthermore, the RFA has cautioned that the apparent diesel price relief is significantly offset by two key structural adjustments. According to the RFA, these adjustments include:
* The slate levy — imposed to recover the fuel pricing system’s cumulative under-recovery of R18.28 billion — has risen by R0.35/l to R1.58/l, eroding a substantial portion of the savings generated by lower international fuel prices.
* Secondly, the temporary general fuel levy relief for diesel will be reduced by half to R1.96/l in June, with the remaining relief expected to fall away completely from July.
* As a result, the actual benefit to transport operators, and the broader economic relief that could flow from lower fuel costs, is far less significant than headline figures may suggest.
“More broadly, the road freight industry continues to navigate a challenging operating environment. Poor road infrastructure, rising toll costs, skills shortages, and currency volatility all compound the fuel pricing challenge,” stated RFA.
The RFA urges relevant authorities to engage with industry stakeholders to address these challenges and develop sustainable solutions for the sector.
Photo: VOCfm
