Motorists and households across Lesotho are set to face a significant increase in fuel costs from Wednesday, 1 April 2026, following a formal price review approved by the Petroleum Fund.
According to an official notice dated 30 March 2026, the Fund has approved across-the-board increases in the pump prices of key fuel products, with some categories recording double-digit hikes.
The Petroleum Fund confirmed that the revised prices will take effect on Wednesday after management considered and approved the recommendations contained in the Fuel and Services Control Notice.
The sharp rise in diesel and paraffin prices is expected to have immediate ripple effects across the economy. Diesel is a key input in transport, agriculture, and electricity generation, while paraffin remains widely used by low-income households for cooking and heating.
The adjustment is unlikely to remain confined to fuel stations. Transport costs, food prices, and general consumer goods could see upward pressure in the coming weeks.
The scale of the increase, particularly for diesel and paraffin, signals deeper underlying cost pressures, likely linked to global oil price movements and exchange rate dynamics. The Petroleum Fund notice does not, however, provide a detailed breakdown of the drivers behind the adjustments.
For consumers, the timing is also sensitive. The increase comes at a moment when households are already navigating high living costs, raising fresh concerns about affordability and inflation.
