Questions
How each surcharge is worked out, which official price we use, and where every number comes from.
Fuel surcharges
How is the surcharge worked out?
Surcharge % = (today's diesel price − the price when your rate was set) ÷ that base price × diesel's share of your costs. You set the share. The Road Freight Association puts diesel at 35% to 55% of operating costs, so we start at 40% and you change it per customer.
Which diesel price do you use?
The inland wholesale price of 0.05% or 0.005% diesel, as you choose. For coastal customers you type your own base price and we move it by the same cents as the official change.
What's the look at next month?
Each day CEF publishes how far the current price is from the month's average basic fuel price. That number usually drives the next change. We show it as an indication. Levies and government relief can change the final price.
When do the numbers change?
Fuel prices change on the first Wednesday of most months. The official notice comes a few days before, and we update every customer as soon as we read it.
Must my customers accept the surcharge?
That depends on your contract. We work out the number and draft the letter. If you have no fuel clause, we give you plain wording to discuss with your customer. It isn't legal advice.
What if diesel falls below my base price?
The surcharge goes to zero. You can switch on a rebate per customer if your agreement gives one.
Do I need a fleet system or tracker?
No. Your customers, their rates and the date each rate was set are all it needs.
Is this for private people?
No. It's for transport businesses and owner-drivers charging business customers.
How much is it?
R299 a month. The first 7 days are free with no card, and you can cancel at any time.
Is this a government service?
No. We read published figures and name the source. We aren't linked to CEF or the Department.
Today's diesel
- 0.05% (500ppm), inland
- R31.9549 a litre
- 0.005% (50ppm), inland
- R32.7989 a litre
- In force from
- 7 October 2026
- Last change
- +284.38c / +324.38c
- Under-recovery this month
- 141.83c / 131.65c
- Indication for the next change
- about +R1.42 a litre
This is an indication from CEF's daily sheet of 29 October 2026, not a forecast. Levies and government relief can change the final price, which comes in CEF's notice a few days before the first Wednesday.
The Monday email
Where the numbers come from
- CEF daily basic fuel price sheets: the wholesale price in force and the month's average over- or under-recovery, read every working day.
- CEF monthly press releases: the official change in cents a litre, applied the day we read it.
- Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, fuel prices: the official reference.
- Diesel's share of cost: 35% to 55% according to the Road Freight Association.
dieselmaat.shop is not a government service and isn't linked to CEF or the Department. It's for transport businesses and owner-drivers in South Africa, from bakkies to interlinks, charging business customers. Nothing on it is legal advice.