LP Gas Price Increase South Africa – March 2026: What Pretoria Residents Need to Know

LP Gas Price Increase South Africa – March 2026

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, through CEF (SOC) Ltd, has confirmed that the maximum retail price for LP Gas increases by 23 cents per kilogram, effective Wednesday, 4 March 2026. This adjustment affects all South African households and businesses that rely on LP Gas for cooking, heating, and commercial use.

What Are the New LP Gas Prices in March 2026?

As of 4 March 2026, the maximum retail prices for LP Gas per kilogram are:

These prices are the maximum retail prices inclusive of VAT for the period 4 March 2026 to 31 March 2026, as set by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

How Much Is a Gas Cylinder in Gauteng? (March 2026)

Using the maximum inland retail price of R34.97 per kilogram (Zone 9C – Gauteng):

• 9kg LP Gas cylinder: approximately R314.73 (9 × R34.97)
• 19kg LP Gas cylinder: approximately R664.43 (19 × R34.97)
• 48kg LP Gas cylinder: approximately R1,678.56 (48 × R34.97)

Note: These figures are calculated from the official maximum retail price. Actual prices at your supplier may vary. View Alectra Solutions' current LP Gas pricing →

Why Did LP Gas Prices Increase?

South Africa's fuel prices – including LP Gas – are adjusted monthly based on a government-regulated mechanism. The March 2026 increase is driven by two main economic factors:

1. Rising International LP Gas Prices

The average international product price for LP Gas increased during the review period (30 January to 26 February 2026). Global energy markets, supply constraints, and seasonal demand all contribute to these international benchmark prices, which directly feed into South Africa's Basic Fuel Price calculations.

2. Rand/US Dollar Exchange Rate

While the rand strengthened against the US dollar during the review period – averaging R15.9959 per dollar compared to R16.3054 in the prior period – this improvement was not sufficient to offset the rise in international commodity prices. The stronger rand did reduce the contribution to fuel prices by approximately 17 cents per litre on petrol, but global price movements still resulted in a net increase for LP Gas.

3. Maximum Refinery Gate Price

The maximum refinery gate price for LP Gas is set at R11,470.61 per metric ton (636.619 cents per litre), excluding VAT, for the period 4 March to 31 March 2026. For LP Gas imported through the Port of Saldanha Bay, the rate is R13,076.49 per metric ton.

All March 2026 Fuel Price Changes at a Glance

The same pricing cycle that adjusts LP Gas also affects other fuel types. Here is a summary of all changes effective 4 March 2026 in Gauteng:

The Slate Levy on petrol and diesel remains at 0.00 cents per litre from 4 March 2026, meaning no additional slate levy surcharge applies this month.

LP Gas vs. Electricity: Is Gas Still the Better Choice?

Despite the March 2026 price increase, LP Gas continues to offer compelling advantages over electricity for many South African households:

For cooking:
A standard 9kg gas cylinder typically lasts a household of four two to three months when used daily for cooking. At the maximum retail price of R314.73 for a 9kg cylinder, this works out to roughly R105–R157 per month – a cost that competes favourably with the electricity units required for equivalent cooking time on a standard electric stove.

For water heating:
Gas geysers heat water on demand and do not store hot water, eliminating standby losses. With South Africa's electricity tariffs increasing annually, gas water heating remains one of the most cost-effective options for medium to large households.

For energy security:
Load shedding and Eskom supply interruptions continue to affect South African households. LP Gas provides a completely independent energy source that is unaffected by grid outages. No inverter, no solar panels, no backup battery required – just a certified gas cylinder and a compatible appliance.

LP Gas Safety Tips for South African Homes

With rising gas usage across South Africa, safety cannot be overstated. Always follow these guidelines:

1. Use SABS-certified cylinders and equipment only. All cylinders must carry a valid certification date stamp. Expired cylinders should be exchanged for fresh, inspected stock immediately.
2. Store cylinders upright, outdoors or in ventilated spaces. Never store LP Gas cylinders inside a building, in an enclosed garage, or in a basement.
3. Test for leaks before use. Apply soapy water to all connections (regulator, hose, and appliance inlet). Bubbles indicate a leak. Never test with an open flame.
4. Replace hoses and regulators on schedule. Rubber hoses should be replaced every five years; regulators every ten years, or sooner if cracked, discoloured, or damaged.
5. Install a gas detector. A dedicated LP Gas detector will alert you to leaks before gas accumulates to dangerous concentrations.
6. Keep cylinders away from heat sources. Maintain a minimum distance of one metre from stoves, hot water systems, and direct sunlight exposure.
7. Only use a registered LPG installer for fixed gas installations, including gas geysers and built-in hobs.

Get LP Gas Delivered in Pretoria

Alectra Solutions offers a convenient, same-day LP Gas cylinder exchange and delivery service throughout Pretoria. Our service includes:

• 9kg and 19kg LP Gas cylinders for household and commercial use
• Certified, inspected cylinders – every cylinder we supply meets SABS standards
• Same-day delivery for orders placed before 12:00
• Next-business-day delivery for orders placed after 12:00
• Flat R50 delivery fee within the Pretoria delivery area
• No upfront deposit when you exchange an empty cylinder

Gas prices in South Africa are reviewed and published monthly by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. We update our pricing in line with official government announcements to ensure you always pay a fair, regulated price.

Order LP Gas online → | Contact us at alectraglobal@gmail.com

Sources: CEF (SOC) Ltd Media Statement, released 27 February 2026 on behalf of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Price changes effective 4 March 2026. All prices quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) and are inclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.