BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE– Motorists across Eswatini are set to dig deeper into their pockets after Government announced another increase in the price of petrol, despite significant reductions in diesel and illuminating paraffin prices.
In a fuel price adjustment statement issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the price of Unleaded Petrol (ULP95) will increase by 90 cents per litre, rising from E25.27 to E26.17 per litre. The new prices will take effect at midnight on Thursday, June 4, 2026, becoming effective on Friday, June 5, 2026.
While diesel users received some relief, with Diesel 50ppm S dropping by E2.40 per litre from E31.60 to E29.20 per litre, petrol-powered vehicle owners have once again been dealt a blow at a time when many households are already grappling with rising living costs.
The Ministry also announced a substantial reduction in the price of illuminating paraffin, which will decrease by E2.90 per litre, moving from E26.28 to E23.38 per litre.
For motorists who rely on petrol-powered vehicles for daily commuting, business operations and transport services, the latest increase is expected to place additional strain on monthly budgets. The adjustment means motorists filling a standard 50-litre fuel tank will now pay approximately E45 more per tank than before.
The latest increase comes as fuel prices continue to remain a major concern for consumers, with transport costs often having a ripple effect on the prices of goods and services throughout the economy. Small business owners, delivery operators and taxi drivers who depend on petrol vehicles are likely to feel the impact most immediately.
According to the Ministry, international crude oil prices have declined and averaged US$104 per barrel, compared to US$110 per barrel recorded in April 2026. Authorities attributed the reductions in diesel and paraffin prices to lower freight costs and weakening demand following the end of the winter season in the northern hemisphere.
However, petrol prices moved in the opposite direction due to increasing global demand associated with the onset of the summer driving season in major international markets.
“The improvement in diesel and paraffin is due to easing demand with the end of winter season in the northern hemisphere whilst petrol demand is rising as the onset of summer intensifies driving,” the Ministry explained.
The mixed fuel price adjustment means that while sectors heavily dependent on diesel, including agriculture, freight transport and some industrial operations, may benefit from lower operating costs, ordinary motorists using petrol-powered vehicles will continue to face higher transportation expenses.
Economic analysts have often pointed out that fuel prices play a critical role in determining inflation trends, as transportation costs influence the pricing of food, consumer goods and other essential services. Consequently, the latest petrol increase is likely to be closely monitored by businesses and consumers alike in the coming weeks.
The new fuel prices effective June 5, 2026, will be:
• Unleaded Petrol (ULP95): E26.17 per litre (up from E25.27)
• Diesel 50ppm S: E29.20 per litre (down from E31.60)
• Illuminating Paraffin: E23.38 per litre (down from E26.28)
The announcement marks yet another adjustment in the country’s fuel pricing structure, with petrol consumers once again facing increased costs at the pumps.
(Courtesy Pic)
