The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has confirmed the latest adjustments to fuel prices, with petrol prices decreasing and diesel prices rising sharply.
The changes took effect from midnight on Tuesday, 5 August.
According to the department, both 95 and 93 octane petrol will drop by 28 cents per litre, offering some relief to motorists. The decrease follows a relatively stable July in global oil markets, bolstered by early-month strength in both oil prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate.
“Over-recoveries from earlier in the month held firm, helping to support the petrol price drop,” the department noted.
However, diesel users are facing a significant hike, with prices increasing by between 63 and 65 cents per litre. The surge is being attributed to ongoing supply constraints and global market dynamics that have squeezed diesel production and reserves.
Key Factors Behind the Price Changes:
- Diesel Supply Pressures: Tight global diesel markets continue to face reduced output and logistical disruptions, impacting overall availability.
- Oil Market Volatility: While oil prices rebounded in July after a shaky June, gains were capped by broader economic concerns, particularly over US trade policies.
- Rand Performance: The South African rand performed well early in July but weakened toward the end of the month due to renewed fears over international tariffs.
The fuel price adjustments come at a time when South African consumers are already facing broader cost-of-living pressures.
Analysts warn that sustained increases in diesel costs could ripple through the economy, particularly affecting the transport and agricultural sectors.
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | decrease of 28 cents |
| Petrol 95 | decrease of 28 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | increase of 65 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | increase of 63 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | increase of 32 cents |
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 $68.75 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.84/$.
The 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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