The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, through CEF (SOC) Ltd, has confirmed that the maximum retail price for LP gas goes up by 23 cents per kilogram from Wednesday, 4 March 2026. The change applies to every household and business in South Africa that uses LP gas for cooking, heating or hot water.
What are the new LP gas prices for March 2026?
From 4 March 2026 the maximum retail prices per kilogram are:
| Zone | Province or area | Maximum retail price (per kg, incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 9C (Inland) | Gauteng, Pretoria, Johannesburg | R34.97 |
| Zone 1A (Coast) | KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape | R31.72 |
| Saldanha (Western Cape) | Saldanha Bay area | R33.84 |
These are the maximum retail prices including VAT for 4 March to 31 March 2026, as set by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
What does a gas cylinder cost in Gauteng in March 2026?
At the inland maximum of R34.97 per kilogram (Zone 9C, Gauteng), the most a retailer may charge works out to:
- 9 kg cylinder: about R314.73 (9 × R34.97)
- 19 kg cylinder: about R664.43 (19 × R34.97)
- 48 kg cylinder: about R1,678.56 (48 × R34.97)
Note: These figures use the official maximum retail price, so the price at your supplier may be lower. See Alectra's current LP gas prices →
Why did the LP gas price go up?
LP gas prices in South Africa are adjusted every month under a government-regulated formula. The March 2026 increase comes down to two things.
1. Higher international LP gas prices
The average international product price for LP gas rose during the review period (30 January to 26 February 2026). Global energy markets, supply constraints and seasonal demand all feed into these benchmark prices, and they flow straight into South Africa's Basic Fuel Price.
2. The rand and the US dollar
The rand strengthened against the dollar during the review period, averaging R15.9959 per dollar against R16.3054 in the previous period. That helped, cutting about 17 cents per litre from the petrol price, but it was not enough to cancel out the rise in international prices, so LP gas still went up.
The maximum refinery gate price
For 4 to 31 March 2026 the maximum refinery gate price for LP gas is R11,470.61 per metric ton (636.619 cents per litre), excluding VAT. LP gas imported through the Port of Saldanha Bay is set at R13,076.49 per metric ton.
All March 2026 fuel price changes at a glance
The same monthly review adjusts the other fuels as well. These are the changes in Gauteng from 4 March 2026:
| Fuel type | Change from 4 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Petrol 93 ULP & LRP | +20 cents per litre |
| Petrol 95 ULP & LRP | +20 cents per litre |
| Diesel 0.05% sulphur | +62 cents per litre (wholesale) |
| Diesel 0.005% sulphur | +65 cents per litre (wholesale) |
| Illuminating paraffin (wholesale) | +44 cents per litre |
| Illuminating paraffin (SMNRP) | +58 cents per litre |
| LP gas | +23 cents per kilogram |
The slate levy on petrol and diesel stays at 0.00 cents per litre from 4 March 2026, so there is no extra slate levy this month.
LP gas or electricity: is gas still worth it?
Even after the March increase, LP gas still makes sense for many South African homes.
Cooking. A 9 kg cylinder used every day for cooking typically lasts a family of four two to three months. At the maximum price of R314.73, that is roughly R105 to R157 a month, which compares well with the electricity a stove would use for the same cooking.
Hot water. A gas geyser heats water only when you open the tap, so no energy goes into keeping a full tank hot. With electricity tariffs rising every year, gas water heating remains a strong option for medium and large households.
Power cuts. Load shedding and Eskom outages still affect South African homes. LP gas is a completely independent energy source that keeps working when the grid goes down. You need no inverter, no solar panels and no backup battery, only a certified cylinder and a compatible appliance.
LP gas safety tips for your home
More homes use gas every year, so safety matters. Follow these guidelines:
- Use SABS-certified cylinders and equipment only. Every cylinder must carry a valid certification date stamp. Exchange an expired cylinder for a fresh, inspected one straight away.
- Store cylinders upright, outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. Never keep LP gas cylinders inside a building, in a closed garage or in a basement.
- Test for leaks before use. Brush soapy water over every connection (regulator, hose and appliance inlet). Bubbles mean a leak. Never test with a flame.
- Replace hoses and regulators on time. Replace rubber hoses every five years and regulators every ten years, or sooner if they are cracked, discoloured or damaged.
- Fit a gas detector. An LP gas detector warns you of a leak before gas can build up to a dangerous level.
- Keep cylinders away from heat. Leave at least one metre between a cylinder and stoves, hot water systems and direct sunlight.
- Use a registered LPG installer for fixed gas installations such as gas geysers and built-in hobs.
Exchange LP gas in Pretoria
Alectra Solutions exchanges LP gas at three Pretoria branches: Hatfield, Wonderboom and Menlyn, and our own driver delivers within 10 km of a branch.
- Exchange: bring your empty cylinder and leave with a full one of the same size.
- No empty? Buy a cylinder with gas, ready to use.
- Sizes from 3 kg to 48 kg for homes, restaurants and businesses.
- Delivery: R99 within 5 km of a branch by road and R150 from 5 to 10 km. A 48 kg cylinder is delivered free within 5 km. The driver connects the cylinder to your regulator and takes the empty away.
- Collection: order online and collect at the branch that suits you, or simply walk in.
- Pay online by card or EFT, or pay at the branch when you collect.
LP gas prices are reviewed every month by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. We adjust our prices in line with the official announcements, and all our prices include VAT.
Order your LP gas online → | WhatsApp Hatfield 065 975 1462 or Wonderboom 074 512 4065
Source: CEF (SOC) Ltd media statement, released 27 February 2026 on behalf of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Price changes apply from 4 March 2026. All prices are in South African rand (ZAR) and include VAT unless stated otherwise.