SAFLA: Fuel hike hits logistics hard

by AKANI CHAUKE 
JOHANNESBURG – THE South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) has highlighted the urgent need to address structural inefficiencies in country’s transport corridors following the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ announcement of significant fuel price increases effective 1 April 2026, accompanied by temporary relief measures jointly introduced with National Treasury.

On Tuesday, the Department confirmed sharp fuel price hikes for April, driven by rising global oil prices and a weaker rand.

The average Brent crude price rose from $69.08 to $93.67, while the rand depreciated from R16.00 to R16.64 per US dollar.

As part of the relief package, government introduced a temporary R3.00 per litre reduction in the general fuel levy from 1 April to 5 May 2026.

Despite this intervention, the price adjustments remain substantial:

* Petrol: +R3.06/litre
* Diesel (0.05%): +R7.37/litre
* Diesel (0.005%): +R7.51/litre

Additional regional variations may occur due to transport tariffs and octane differentials.

Using Department-published March wholesale pricing as a baseline, inland (Gauteng, Zone 9C) diesel 0.005% stood at R18.6023/litre as of 4 March 2026, implying an April inland wholesale price of approximately R26.11/litre.

Commenting on the impact, SAFLA CEO Dave Logan said: “These fuel movements are a loud and immediate reminder: when our corridors stall, the cost doesn’t just show up in delayed containers – it shows up in litres burned, in higher transport inflation, and in reduced competitiveness for South African trade.”

SAFLA reaffirmed its commitment to an operator-led mandate, focusing on practical improvements at the “coalface” of trade, including border delays, permit duplication, and valuation disputes.

Engagement is planned with SARS, Transnet, the Border Management Authority, and other controlling authorities that affect freight movement.

The association is calling for accelerated, data-driven interventions at key corridors and ports to reduce dwell times, improve predictability, lower fuel consumption, and stabilise the cost of moving goods.

– CAJ News