The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources launched an investigation into a diesel price error that caused widespread confusion. Officials first announced a R6.19 per litre wholesale increase for diesel on Monday 4 May. They corrected it to R5.27 per litre the next day, saving motorists 92 cents.

The adjustment took effect on Wednesday 6 May alongside petrol increases of R3.27 per litre. MPs grilled senior officials during a parliamentary committee meeting today over the blunder and its impact on ordinary South Africans.

Diesel Price Error Sparks Parliamentary Scrutiny

The Central Energy Fund issued the corrected figures on Tuesday after the department’s initial announcement. Yvonne Chetty, chief financial officer of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, confirmed the mistake during Wednesday’s briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

She said the process is managed jointly by the department and the Central Energy Fund. An investigation is now underway to establish exactly how the error occurred and to stop it happening again.

Background and Cause of the Diesel Price Error

The diesel price error stemmed from a simple decimal point mistake in the fuel levy relief calculation. Officials recorded the additional 93 cents per litre reduction in the diesel fuel levy as only 0.93 cents. This inflated the announced wholesale increase from the correct R5.27 to R6.19 per litre.

Deputy Minister Phumzile Mgcina told the committee the department picked up the error internally before media reports. She stressed that authorities now work on a full explanation for the public once the investigation concludes.

MPs React Strongly to the Diesel Price Error

MKP MP Lehlohonolo Daniel Selepe called the mistake unacceptable and said it affects everyday citizens. He noted that some minibus taxis had already raised fares by up to 50% based on the initial announcement. “We cannot be a banana republic,” Selepe said.

EFF MP Natasha Ntlangwini urged the department to issue a proper media statement and apology. She warned that such errors panic citizens already struggling with high fuel and food prices. Committee chair Mikateko Golden Mahlaule echoed concerns about the public confusion created by the initial figures.