Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) has noted with concern the anticipated fuel price increases expected in April 2026, largely driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
While fuel price volatility is not uncommon, the scale and pace of the current increases are expected to place additional strain on South Africa’s building and construction industry, a sector already operating under significant cost and delivery pressures.
Fuel remains a critical input across the construction value chain, directly influencing transport, plant operations, and the cost of materials. Sustained increases are therefore likely to have a broad-based impact on project costs, procurement cycles, and delivery timelines.
MBSA cautions that, in many cases, these escalating costs may not have been reasonably foreseeable at the time of tender and may not be fully accommodated within existing contractual frameworks. This introduces increased complexity in contract administration and heightens the need for careful management of both cost and time-related risks.
The Federation and its Associations are already engaging with members who are seeking clarity on how to navigate these developments within the context of their contractual obligations.
MBSA encourages contractors, clients, and professional teams to adopt a proactive and collaborative approach, including:
MBSA is actively supporting its members through the provision of guidance and is facilitating further industry engagement, including a dedicated webinar, to assist stakeholders in responding effectively to these evolving conditions. To this end,
MBSA hosted a national webinar for members and non-members of Master Builder Associations as follows:
As the national representative body for the construction industry, Master Builders South Africa emphasises the importance of measured, contractually sound responses to these developments to ensure project continuity and sector stability.
MBSA will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with industry stakeholders to promote practical, coordinated solutions
