Record diesel prices seen in May are again expected to cause waves in the shipping sector, as Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) updates its fuel neutrality charge at container terminals that use diesel-dependent equipment to handle South Africa’s import and export cargo.
The revised charge of R78 per container will take effect from 1 June, up from R52 introduced earlier this month, in an attempt to ensure recovery of fuel-related operating costs.
The adjustments are based on coastal diesel index thresholds, with current diesel prices just shy of making the lower bracket for a R104 surcharge per container.
The Middle East conflict has piled pressure on oil prices since February, bruising the logistics industry, farmers, motorists and other consumers.
“The fuel charge is being implemented as a transparent, cost-recovery mechanism following diesel increasing by between R13.26 to R13.43 since March 2026, due to ongoing global supply chain disruptions,” TPT General Manager of Commercial and Planning, Michelle van Buren Schele said in a statement on Friday.
“It is also important to note that the fuel neutrality charge is short-term in nature and is only during periods of extreme fuel price variation and evaluated every month.”
Various freight and logistics industry bodies have already warned of the dire impact the fuel neutrality charge would have, with the crisis forcing difficult operational decisions.
While mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) suggests a much-needed drop in diesel prices for June, this doesn’t account for a partial reintroduction of the fuel levy.
The amount of relief from the general fuel levy, offered by government as a result of geopolitical tensions, will be reduced to R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel, effective from Wednesday 3 June 2026 to Tuesday 30 June 2026.
From 1 July onwards, the general fuel levy for petrol will return to R4.10 per litre and the general fuel levy for diesel will return to R3.93 per litre.
