South African radio spent the first week of October tracking a fuel price increase presenters repeatedly described as historic: 95 octane petrol crossing R30 a litre for the first time, with diesel climbing towards R33. Stations from 702 and Cape Talk to Power FM, SAfm, Kaya 959 and 947 ran rolling bulletins pegged to the Central Energy Fund's projections and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Department's eventual confirmation of hikes of up to R3.33 a litre on petrol and R3.24 on diesel.
The coverage quickly moved past the pump price into a wider commuter crisis. Taxi bodies warned fares could follow, Cosatu said the increase would wipe out this year's wage settlements, and economists pressed government on whether a fuel-levy holiday — like the one briefly used earlier in the year — could cushion households. By midweek, Transport officials were on air talking about reworking bus and taxi subsidies, while retailers reported motorists already buying less fuel per visit. The through-line across stations: this is no longer just a petrol story, it is a cost-of-living story.
A record framed in real time
From the Tuesday before the hike, radio bulletins were already signalling that something unprecedented was coming. Power FM's early-morning business desk told listeners the Central Energy Fund's latest estimates pointed to diesel rising by as much as R3.10 a litre to about R33.15 inland, driven by Brent crude climbing off an $88 base.1 Cape Talk's Money Show carried independent economist John Luce warning that diesel would hit record levels and petrol would rise "significantly too".2 On 702, the same Luce projection — a R3.16 hike on 95 octane and up to R2.72 on diesel — was tied explicitly to "renewed geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz".3
By the weekend, the framing had hardened. Cape Talk's Kumbuzila Tabete told listeners the October adjustment "could be the biggest of 2026", with diesel pushing over R33.4 702 ran the same line hour after hour through Saturday and Sunday bulletins.56
Confirmation and the R30 threshold
On Monday the Mineral Resources Department made it official, and stations led with the numbers. 702's Balil Lamini reported 93 octane up R3.12 and 95 octane up R3.33 a litre, with diesel between R2.84 and R3.24.7 Kaya 959 carried an almost identical bulletin, adding that illuminating paraffin would also rise.8 SAfm added paraffin at R4.77 a litre.9 By Tuesday morning Power FM was leading news on the hour with the warning that the shock "could leave consumers paying more long after they leave the petrol station",10 and overnight bulletins marked the moment petrol crossed R30 for the first time in history.11
702's business presenter captured the mood plainly: "We're talking fuel prices hiking to above 30 Rand a litre. I mean, for the first time in history… this is feeding, of course, into transport and other costs."12
The taxi question
Across stations, the second beat of the story was public transport. Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Pahla was quoted repeatedly saying operators were "already feeling the pinch" but had not yet decided on fare increases, cautioning against causing panic.1314 The National Taxi Alliance took a sharper line on Power FM, warning that rising operating costs could force fares up and that government "cannot just sit back and fold their arms".1516 SAfm's NTA interview went further: "the passenger is going to be hit very hard."9
Analysts on Cape Talk and 702 kept returning to the knock-on. As one commentator put it, "it's not only that you're going to allocate more for yourself in terms of fuel, but you're also going to have to pay more for groceries and consumer goods at the shops."17
Calls for levy relief and subsidy reform
With the hike confirmed, presenters pushed the policy question. Cape Talk's Money Show asked openly whether Treasury could again cut fuel taxes "in the way it did a little earlier in the year", with Luce estimating the previous intervention had saved consumers R5–6 billion.2 A Cape Talk caller, Daniel, floated raising sin taxes on alcohol and cigarettes each time fuel rises, and asked Cyril Ramaphosa and finance minister Enoch Godongwana to subsidise increases as "wealth redistribution".18
Transport deputy minister Creasy told Cape Talk that consultations were already underway with the bus and taxi industries "to explore a more equitable model" of how transport funding could be redirected to support commuters.19 947 carried Cosatu's view that government had "missed an opportunity to soften the impact".20 SAfm's talkback was blunter: a listener argued National Treasury "should make sure that petrol doesn't cross the 30 rand a litre mark, especially now that unemployment is beyond control".21
Household maths on air
Stations leaned into the lived cost. Power FM's business desk calculated the hike at roughly R166.50 more per tank and conceded that for people with no alternative to driving, "cutting back on fuel consumption may not be realistic".22 Cape Talk told coastal listeners a fill-up would now cost about R1,470 at R29.38 a litre.18 SAFM reiterated Cosatu's point that workers already spend up to 30% of income on transport and that "this increase will wipe out this year's wage settlements".23
Retailers added another angle. The South African Petroleum Retailers Association's Henry van der Merwe told Cape Talk forecourts were already seeing motorists return more often because the same money bought less fuel — "actually not a good thing to do because it costs you money."24 702's forecourt vox-pops found motorists resigned but frustrated: "every trip to the pump means having to rework the" household budget.25
What's unresolved
As the week closed, three questions were still live on air. First, whether Santaco and the NTA will push through fare increases now that the hike is in effect — both had deferred the decision pending consultation.1315 Second, whether Treasury will revisit a temporary fuel-levy cut, as pressed by economists and listeners on Cape Talk and SAfm.221 Third, what Creasy's promised "equitable model" for bus and taxi subsidies will actually look like.19 Presenters across 702, Cape Talk and Power FM signalled they would keep returning to all three — because, as one anchor framed it, this is now a cost-of-living crisis facing consumers "head on".12
- 702
- 947
- Cape Talk
- Kaya 959
- Power FM
- SAfm
Citations
- 1.
“Is pushing up to be another expensive month for consumers and businesses with fuel prices potentially reaching those record levels. Now, the latest estimates from the Central Energy Fund show diesel could rise by as much as 3.10 a litre, taking the inland price to about 33 rand 15 cents. And that's being driven by higher international oil prices. Of course, we know with Brent rising from around $88 a barrel in later.”
- 2.
“Just a few days away from the final announcement, suggesting that diesel prices will go up by three rand a litre. That'll push diesel to record levels. Petrol prices are expected to go up significantly, too. Is it possible for government to cut the taxes it charges on fuel in the way it did a little earlier in the year? So it is possible, and it wouldn't necessarily break the bank once off. The last one was estimated at, I think, five to six billion grand worth of savings for the consumer. John Luce is an independent economist. The money show on Cape Talk. Join the contract.”
- 3.
“Are expected to rise sharply next Wednesday with petrol possibly passing the 30 Rand litre mark and diesel inline for a record 33 rand per litre. Independent economist John Lewis projects a hike of about 3 rand.16 for 95 octane petrol and around 3 rand for 93 octane, while diesel could possibly climb by as much as 2 rand 72 a litre. Lewis says the expected increase is being driven by renewed geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Renewed conflict and tension.”
- 4.
“Good evening, I'm Kumbuzila Tabete. Economists are forecasting a record-breaking increase in fuel prices in South Africa in the coming week. The October fuel hike could be the biggest of 2026. Both grades of petrol are set to go up by 3 rands per litre. Diesel prices will also go up, pushing the price to over 33 rand per litre. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says it will announce the official fuel prices.”
- 5.
“Could be the biggest in 2026. Both grades of petrol are set to go up by 3 Rand per litre, while diesel will also go up, pushing the price to over 33 Rand per litre. However, the Minerals Department says it will announce the official fuel prices before they take effect on Wednesday. Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Pahler says in the event of a fuel price increase, taxi associations will consult with commuters. We, as is the case with every other sector,”
- 6.
“Economists predict a record-breaking increase that could be the biggest in 2026. Both grades of petrol are set to go up by 3 Rand per liter, while diesel will also go up, pushing the price to over 33 Rand per liter. However, the Minerals Department says it will announce the official fuel prices before they take effect on Wednesday. Santako spokesperson Rebecca Pahler says in the event of a fuel price increase, taxi associations will consult with community.”
- 7.
“Good afternoon, I'm Balil Lamini. Motorists will have to dig deeper into their pockets to fill up their cars from Wednesday. This is when both grades of petrol will rise by more than 3 Rand a litre. The hike was confirmed by the Mineral Resources Department today. 93 octane petrol will increase by 3 Rand 12 cents a litre, while 95 octane will rise by 3 Rand 33 a litre.”
- 8.
“We leave this bulletin with two breaking stories beginning with this: Motorists will be paying more for fuel from Wednesday this week, with 93 octane petrol increasing by 3 Rand 12 cents a litre and 95 by 3 Rand 33 cents. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Robert Mike says diesel will rise by between 2 Rand 84 and 3 Rand 24 a litre. Illuminating paraffin will increase by 3.”
- 9.
“Rand 33 cents per liter, depending on the grade. Diesel will rise by between 2 Rand and 84 and 3 Rand 24 cents per liter, while illuminating paraffin will increase by 4 R 77 cents per liter. NTA spokesperson Theoma Lele says if they do not receive any assistance, operators may be forced to increase taxi fares. Government should do something about this. They cannot just sit back and fold their arm. Really, I mean, the passenger is going to be hit very hard.”
- 10.
“And Atlanta Sihume is standing by with the news headlines. Thanks a lot, Bramondli. Tom Story is this hour. The latest fuel shock could leave consumers paying more long after they leave the petrol station. From tomorrow, petrol prices will rise by up to 3 Rand 33 a liter, while diesel increases by as much as 3 Rand 24.95 petrol will.”
- 11.
“Fatality. Good morning, Amlet Habomashaba. A litre of petrol now costs more than 30 Rand in a hike that economists have said was inevitable. As of this hour, the price of petrol has increased by up to 3 Rand 33 a litre, while diesel users will now pay 3 Rand 24 more for a litre. The National Taxi Alliance is seeking relief from government, warning that rising operating costs could lead to a high.”
- 12.
“The cost of living crisis. My goodness, that's facing us as consumers head on, hey? Petrol and diesel prices will rise sharply from tomorrow. We're talking fuel prices hiking to above 30 rand a litre. I mean, for the first time in history, above 30 rand a litre. And this is feeding, of course, into transport and other costs. It's also pointing to higher inflation, which will eat further into our wages. Remember, we have”
- 13.
“Spokesperson Rebecca Pahler says in the event of a fuel price increase, taxi associations will consult with commuters. We, as is the case with every other sector of South Africa, can confirm that we're already feeling the pinch as a result of these continuing increases of fuel prices. However, we do not want to cause panic when we cannot as yet confirm by how much exactly we will be increasing and whether or not we will be increasing. An Eastern Cape Serial rapist has been sentenced to eight”
- 14.
“Good afternoon, I'm Martin Slabbert. The South African National Taxi Council says it has not yet decided if it would be increasing taxi fares as the country braces itself for an expected record fuel price hike this week. Economists are predicting that both grades of petrol would jump by 3 Rand per litre, while diesel is also expected to jump to over 33 Rand per litre. Santako spokesperson Rebecca Pahla.”
- 15.
“Street, Main Street, Grahamstown, Standard Bank, and also parts of Carlton Center. The fuel price shock is set to hit more than motorists, with taxi commuters also bracing for possible fare increases. Petrol prices rise by up to £3.33 a litre from midnight, while diesel increases by as much as £3.24. The National Taxi Alliance's meeting government asks for relief, warning that rising operating costs could put pressure on fares.”
- 16.
“When they did subsidize that petrol levy for us for a few months. So I assume that they wouldn't this time around. So, yeah, as you rightly said, it's a significant impact on us as commuters when filling the tank and potentially for other price increases across the economy. Now, this comes as motorists are set to pay more for fuel from tomorrow, with petrol rising by more than three rand a litre and diesel by more than two rand. Meanwhile, trade union federation Kazakh.”
- 17.
“Says he is worried about the impact of this week's anticipated increase in the price of petrol and diesel. He says the bigger devastation will be for public transport users in the event that taxi fares increase. A record-breaking increase in fuel prices is expected on Wednesday. Both grades of petrol are set to go up by an expected 3 Rand per litre. Diesel also expected to go up and pushing the price up to over 33 Rand per litre. Mitchell elaborates. So for our thoughts, it's not only that you're going to.”
- 18.
“The coast we'll get there soon enough from tomorrow. 29 rand 38 cents a liter. You spending about 1470 rand from tomorrow to fill up. Daniel says here are some ideas for relief. One, up the booze price as the fuel price change increases each time the fuel price changes. Same increases on cigarettes. Ask Cyril and Mozep to subsidize fuel increases in wealth redistribution.”
- 19.
“Whether funding can be used differently to support commuters. This comes as motorists face steep fuel price increase with 93 octane petrol to rise by 3 Rand 12 cents a litre and 95 octane by 3 Rand 33 a litre. Diesel is also set to increase by as much as 3 Rand 24 a litre. Creasy says consultations are underway with the bus and taxi industries to explore a more equitable model of”
- 20.
“Determined. Last month, police uncovered a Mandrax lab in Rasmia near Pretoria with equipment worth over 100 million Rand. At the time, police said they were honing in on the South African leg of an alleged global drug route. It's a matter of hours now before motorists are hit with yet another petrol price increase. Trade union Cassato says government has missed an opportunity to soften the impact of the latest hikes. At midnight, diesel rises to as much as 33 Rand a litre, while the petrol price increases to over 30 rand for the first time. Cassato's Matthew.”
- 21.
“Should make sure that petrol doesn't cross the 30 rand a liter mark, especially now that unemployment is beyond control. Temdani Sabara says morning, this record unprecedented hike in the price of fuel is unacceptable because higher cost of fuel just means higher cost of living. And in this current economic hardship, it's very difficult for citizens to afford just everyday basic needs. So the National Treasury must.”
- 22.
“Roughly translates to 166 rand 50 cents more per fuel tank. So these prices do encourage us to reduce unnecessary trips, carpool, or reconsider how we budget for commuting. And for people who have no alternative to driving or work, cutting back on fuel consumption may not be realistic. I remember a family member of mine said they were taking a taxi trip, a taxi between only the”
- 23.
“Rand 13 cents a litre. And this comes on top of September's increases. Brent crude has gone from $75 to over $100 per barrel in a matter of months, and the Rand is also at its weakest since July. Now, Cosato says a worker already spends up to 30% of incomes on transport, and that this increase will wipe out this year's wage settlements.”
- 24.
“From tomorrow, but fuel station owners are also concerned. At midnight, petrol breaches 30 Rand a litre for the first time, while diesel rises to as much as 33 Rand a litre. Chairperson of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association Henry van damerva says forecourts are already seeing motorists return to pumps more often, as the same amount of money now buys them less fuel. Which is actually not a good thing to do because it costs you money.”
- 25.
“Both grades of petrol will go up by more than 3 Rand a litre. Diesel will also become more expensive, rising between 2 Rand 84 and 3 Rand 24 a litre. Mongezikoko spoke to some motorists. There's certainly no shortage of motorists this morning, but behind the fueling and the full tanks, there's a lot of frustration. Motorists say they've become used to the constant rises in the price of fuel, but that doesn't make them any easier to absorb. For many, every trip to the pump means having to rework the hard.”