“The increase in fuel prices in March 2026 is a direct result of upward pressure on the international price of oil due to both supply and logistics risks following the start of hostilities between Iran and the US and Israel. The Road Freight Association (RFA) has noted with both dismay and concern, that the price of diesel is increasing between R0.60 and R0.65 per litre.
Given that diesel is the primary source of fuel for most medium and heavy commercial transporters, this will place an immediate cost burden on daily operations. Transporters will be faced with - either immediately or later, depending on their operating models or agreements - factoring this increase (and any others that may arise) into their pricing when offering freight transportation services. This means that the gains which were achieved through the gradual reduction of the basic fuel price during 2025, will be erased and the consumer will, inevitably, begin to feel this change in increasing prices at the till.
Unfortunately, fuel is one of the basic input costs in a transportation business that has huge impact on rates for transport. The general economy will also not be immune - with this pressure becoming an upward inflationary force - thus affecting both future decisions regarding the repo rate and the value of the Rand in the pocket of the man on the street.”
Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association
