South African motorists should soon enjoy lower fuel prices as indicators point to a decrease across both petrol and diesel grades in September 2025.
According to the Daily Fuel Price Report from 27 August 2025, the market is experiencing a significant over-recovery – the difference between expected and actual fuel costs – driven by a combination of a stronger rand and falling international oil prices.
Industry analysts expect these favourable conditions to set the stage for fuel price reductions, offering a reprieve for both consumers and businesses after months of fuel price volatility throughout the year.
Relief Across the Board
Over-recoveries have been recorded for all fuel types, suggesting that both 93 and 95 octane petrol, as well as diesel, may see price cuts when the new tariffs take effect next week.
Given that South Africa’s fuel prices are closely tied to global oil markets and exchange rate fluctuations, these developments signal a positive trend heading into the final quarter of the year.
Official Confirmation Pending
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) will officially announce the fuel price adjustments at month-end, ahead of the implementation in early September.
If confirmed, this will mark a welcome break for motorists, freight operators, and small businesses grappling with the cumulative cost pressures caused by fluctuating energy prices in 2025.
Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), effective Wednesday, 27 August.
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | decrease of 12 cents |
| Petrol 95 | decrease of 4 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | decrease of 55 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | decrease of 55 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | decrease of 37 cents |
If the market conditions were to remain consistent for the remainder of the month – an unlikely scenario with the rand/dollar exchange rate fluctuating and the oil price ever changing – a decrease of 12 cents is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and a decrease of four cents for 95 users.
Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something around a 55 cents per litre decrease.
Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to drop by 37 cents in price.
FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:
1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices
2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products
Oil price
At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $67.85 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.69/$.
The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed early next month with the new prices taking effect at midnight on Tuesday, 2 September 2025.
Go easy on the accelerator until then, Mzansi.
The current August 2025 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):
| INLAND | August |
| Petrol 93 | R21.51 |
| Petrol 95 | R21.59 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R20.00 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R20.04 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R13.47 |
| COASTAL | August |
| Petrol 93 | R20.72 |
| Petrol 95 | R20.76 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R19.17 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R19.28 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.46 |
How much do you spend on fuel per month on average?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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