MBABANE – Confusion over the country’s fuel situation deepened on Thursday after the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy announced that fuel prices will increase from midnight on 2 April 2026, contradicting earlier reports that there would be no hike.
Earlier in the day, Swaziland Democratic News published remarks attributed to Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela, in which he reportedly urged emaSwati not to panic over the fuel situation and assured the nation that prices would not increase. The report, written by Nokwanda Mamba and published on 02 April 2026, stated that the minister had called for calm amid concerns about supply disruptions.
According to that report, the minister said government was working closely with oil companies to ensure continuous fuel availability across the country despite global supply chain constraints. He was quoted as saying the perceived shortages were driven largely by anticipation of possible price increases rather than an actual lack of fuel, adding that the situation was under control and there was no cause for alarm. 
However, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy in Eswatini later issued a formal statement distancing itself from those claims and correcting what it described as circulating misinformation.
“The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy wishes to correct circulating misinformation regarding recent fuel price adjustments,” read the statement.
The Ministry made it clear that it had not issued any communication stating that fuel prices would remain unchanged. It urged members of the public to disregard false reports and rely only on official communication channels for verified information.
“Following the official announcement made by the Ministry, fuel prices will increase effective midnight of 2nd April 2026 Friday, 3rd April 2026). The adjusted prices are as follows:
*Unleaded Petrol: Increase of E2.90 per litre New price: E22.35 per litre
- Diesel 50ppm S: Increase of E5.35 per litre New price: E25.20 per litre
- illuminating Paraffin:Increase of E5.60 per litre New price: E19.50 per litre”
The Ministry also warned that the spread of inaccurate information could create unnecessary confusion and disruption in the market, especially at a time when motorists across Mbabane and other parts of the country have already been rushing to fill up their tanks amid speculation about price adjustments.
It further encouraged the public to follow official government communication platforms for accurate and timely updates regarding fuel pricing and supply.
