A National Assembly motion tabled without prior notice is pressing government to overhaul its Petroleum Pricing and Subsidy Framework, as fuel and paraffin costs continue to squeeze low-income households across the country.
Motion 266, brought by Hon. T. Lekitla under Standing Order 32(3), urges the National Assembly to direct government to strengthen existing relief measures for vulnerable households — a call that follows sweeping fuel price increases that took effect on 6 May 2026.
The Petroleum Fund announced increases across all grades at that time. Petrol 93 rose by M2.90 (approx. $0.18) to M25.40 (approx. $1.55) per litre. Petrol 95 climbed by M2.60 (approx. $0.16) to M25.90 (approx. $1.58) per litre. Diesel 50 recorded the sharpest increase, rising by M4.25 (approx. $0.26) to M34.75 (approx. $2.12) per litre.
| Grade | Previous (M) | Increase (M) | New price (M) | New price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | 22.50 | +2.90 | 25.40 | ~$1.55 |
| Petrol 95 | 23.30 | +2.60 | 25.90 | ~$1.58 |
| Diesel 50 | 30.50 | +4.25 | 34.75 | ~$2.12 |
| Paraffin | 21.30 | +1.20 | 22.50 | ~$1.37 |
Paraffin, widely used by low-income households for cooking and heating, also increased, rising by M1.20 (approx. $0.07) to M22.50 (approx. $1.37) per litre.
“The combination of higher pump prices, costlier paraffin and rising transport fares has compounded what is already a difficult cost-of-living environment.”
The price adjustments have sent ripple effects through the transport sector. Taxi and bus operators have already pressed for fare adjustments to offset higher operating costs, placing additional pressure on commuters who depend on public transport for their daily livelihoods.
For many Basotho households, the combination of higher pump prices, costlier paraffin and rising transport fares has compounded what is already a difficult cost-of-living environment.
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