South Africa faces a record May 2026 petrol price increase as the US Iran naval blockade sends Brent crude above $100 and the R3/litre levy relief expires on 5 May.
From 4 March 2026, South Africa’s petrol, diesel, paraffin and LPG prices increase, according to the latest official fuel price notice.
Eskom has announced that South Africa is likely to enjoy a summer without loadshedding, after making it through winter with almost no blackouts — but critics warn the utility’s reliance on expensive diesel masks deeper problems.
Energy expert warns that Eskom’s power grid may soon collapse into loadshedding as unplanned outages rise above critical levels.
Eskom reports a stable power system despite winter pressures, with updates on generation capacity, outages, and the likelihood of loadshedding.
Eskom says the power system is stable with low risk of loadshedding if unplanned outages remain below 13,000MW.
Eskom issues Power Alert saying the grid is stable but under pressure, warns that high unplanned breakdowns could bring Stage 2 loadshedding this winter.
Eskom has confirmed that the power grid is stable and that no loadshedding is planned for the weekend despite ongoing system constraints.
Eskom has dismissed widely circulated claims of a 14-hour loadshedding schedule in June, confirming that the national grid remains stable and loadshedding is suspended.
He explained that additional units have been synchronised to the grid since last winter, putting Eskom in a stronger position.
Eskom has unexpectedly implemented Stage 2 loadshedding due to power unit delays and breakdowns, contradicting its earlier winter forecast of a stable electricity supply.
Eskom says South Africa’s worst-case loadshedding scenario for winter 2025 is limited to Stage 2, as it continues to improve generation capacity and reduce outages.
Eskom has implemented Stage 2 loadshedding due to high electricity demand, unplanned outages, and extensive planned maintenance.
The masterplan has been drawn up so that it aligns with South Africa’s existing national target of adding 3–5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity each year to 2030.
Whistleblower alleges he was tricked into believing he was buying locally made material
Energy analyst Chris Yelland warns that Eskom’s unplanned breakdowns remain dangerously high, risking more loadshedding despite earlier improvements.
Eskom has been granted emissions exemptions for eight coal power stations, allowing more time to comply with environmental regulations.
Eskom confirms loadshedding remains suspended but experts warn that challenges may still arise in March.
Eskom’s power grid remains highly unstable in February 2025, despite recent claims of improved performance and extended periods without loadshedding.
Eskom has reconnected Kusile Unit 3 to the grid, stabilising electricity supply after recent loadshedding, but future power cuts remain a possibility.
Eskom has indicated that it will reassess the situation on Sunday, and will announce whether loadshedding will continue into next week or if a lower stage will be implemented.
NERSA has approved a 12.74% electricity tariff increase for 2025, with further hikes of 5.36% in 2026 and 6.19% in 2027
Eskom’s stable grid reaches new heights as South Africa nears 300 days of zero loadshedding. Here’s what this means for winter.
South Africa’s power system faces a critical test in January 2025, with loadshedding concerns looming despite Eskom’s recent operational gains.
At the heart of the new law is the unbundling of Eskom’s role as the sole provider of electricity.
Experts warn that the stability witnessed during the summer months may falter under the pressure of increased energy consumption in January.
The hydro storage system project is located in the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality in Limpopo and has been billed as a top priority project by the Infrastructure South Africa Programme.
This proposed hike comes on the heels of the already approved 12.74% increase for 2024/2025.
The withdrawal of TotalEnergies from these offshore gas projects has significant implications for South Africa.
For the first time since September 2021, Eskom lowered unplanned breakdowns below 10,000MW.
