- Strategic measures cushion impact on emaSwati
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has announced that fuel prices have been adjusted upwards, while indicating that measures have been put in place to cushion emaSwati from the full impact of rising global oil costs.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, the ministry said that the new prices would come into effect at midnight on Thursday, 7 May 2026, and would be effective from Friday, 8 May 2026. It explained that the adjustments reflected ongoing developments in international oil markets and supply chain pressures.
The ministry reported that petrol had increased by E2.92 to E25.27 per litre, diesel had risen by E6.40 to E31.60 per litre, while illuminating paraffin had increased by E6.78 to E26.28 per litre.
Global pressures behind the increase
The ministry stated that the adjustments were driven by continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, which had disrupted supply routes and driven up international oil prices.
It noted that crude oil prices had risen significantly, averaging around USD 110 per barrel compared to USD 95 per barrel recorded in March 2026, placing additional pressure on fuel imports into Southern Africa.
Despite these developments, the ministry said that government had taken proactive steps to mitigate the full impact on consumers.
Government cushions the burden
Officials further revealed that government had absorbed a substantial portion of the increase through the Strategic Oil Reserve Fund, also known as the fuel stabilisation fund.
The ministry stated that this intervention had cushioned fuel price increases by approximately 25 per cent, helping to reduce the financial burden on households and businesses.
It added that the move reflected government’s commitment to maintaining economic stability and protecting emaSwati from the full effects of external shocks.
Updated fuel prices
According to the ministry, the new fuel prices are:
- Unleaded Petrol (ULP95): increased from E22.35 to E25.27 per litre
- Diesel (0.005% S): increased from E25.20 to E31.60 per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: increased from E19.50 to E26.28 per litre
The ministry noted that although the increases were unavoidable, the cushioning measures ensured that prices remained lower than they would have been under prevailing global conditions.
Promoting efficient fuel usage
The ministry further encouraged the public to use fuel efficiently, citing continued volatility in global oil markets and fluctuations in the Lilangeni to US Dollar exchange rate.
It urged consumers and businesses to adopt energy-saving practices to better manage costs and support national resilience.
Commitment to stability and sustainability
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy reaffirmed that it would continue to monitor global developments and implement strategies aimed at balancing economic sustainability with consumer protection.
It maintained that while global pressures continued to influence fuel prices, government interventions were aimed at ensuring that emaSwati remained supported while the country maintained a stable and resilient energy sector.
