Fuel Price Surge: RFA Warns Consumers to Prepare for Higher Costs at the Till
“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 repro rate and the value of the Rand in the pocket of the man on the street.”
By Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association
Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association
Issued by
Name: CVLC Communication
Contact: Catherine Larkin APR CMILT
Cell phone: 083 300 0331
Contact: Catherine Larkin
Email:
Website: www.rfa.co.za
About The Road Freight Association
The Road Freight Association was established in 1975 to support its Members who are, in the main, road freight operators. It is a lobbying and negotiating body which influences the state of the industry, rates, upkeep of the road infrastructure, road safety, freight security, driver interests, cross-border transport, education, health, the fuel price, law enforcement, labour relations and many other issues related to road freight transport.
Member companies include small and medium-sized trucking companies, including many family-owned businesses, owner operators, as well as most of the largest trucking companies in South Africa. Members come from all sectors of the trucking industry.
Private and public operators are Members of the RFA. Membership also includes a significant number of affiliates and associates – those companies providing goods and services to the trucking industry.
Team RFA (made up of support staff and experts) is committed to serving you. The team brings with it a high degree of professional experience, knowledge and dedication – which greatly contributes to the effectiveness, relevance and standing of the RFA.
As the voice of the trucking industry in South Africa, the RFA is your voice. It is important that you avail yourself of that opportunity to be heard.
