South African motorists are set to get some relief at the pumps after government announced a temporary reduction in the fuel levy.

According to News24, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the measure during the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on Wednesday, 21 October.

The move comes as high fuel costs continue to put pressure on households and businesses across the country.

Fuel levy relief starts in November

From 4 November until 1 December 2026, the fuel levy will be reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R3 per litre for diesel.

The relief will not end immediately in December.

From December until 5 January 2027, government will continue with a smaller reduction. The petrol levy will be cut by R1 per litre while the diesel levy will be reduced by R1.50 per litre.

The temporary reductions are aimed at helping South Africans deal with the impact of rising international oil prices and higher transport costs.

However, the levy reduction is only one part of South Africa’s regulated fuel price. Changes in international fuel prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate can still affect what motorists ultimately pay at the pump.

Relief will cost government R10 billion

The latest intervention is expected to provide R10 billion in support through revenue government will give up by temporarily lowering the levy.

According to News24, the money will come from R10 billion previously transferred to the Central Energy Fund.

Government will return those funds to the National Revenue Fund to help cover the cost of the fuel levy relief.

Godongwana said the measure is designed to ease cost-of-living pressures without undermining the sustainability of the national budget.

South Africans faced months of fuel pressure

Government previously introduced temporary fuel levy relief earlier in 2026 after international oil prices surged.

That relief was gradually phased out, with the full general fuel levy restored in July.

The latest announcement brings temporary support back as households and businesses continue to feel the effects of elevated fuel costs.

The new reductions will take effect from 4 November 2026, with the final phase scheduled to end on 5 January 2027.