South Africa Petrol and Diesel Prices: August 2025 Update
South African motorists are experiencing a mixed bag of fuel price adjustments as of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, according to the latest announcements from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. Petrol prices are set to decrease, offering some relief, while diesel prices are on the rise, impacting drivers and industries reliant on this fuel.
Petrol Prices Drop
Both grades of petrol (93 and 95 Unleaded) will see a reduction of 28 cents per litre. This brings the price of 95 Unleaded petrol to approximately R21.07 per litre in Gauteng and R20.27 per litre at the coast. For 93 Unleaded, expect to pay around R20.96 per litre inland. This decrease follows a trend of price relief over the past year, with petrol prices having dropped by roughly 15-16% since May 2024, saving motorists between R174 and R327 per tank compared to last year.
Diesel Prices Climb
In contrast, diesel users face a significant hike. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel is expected to increase by 63 cents per litre, while 500ppm diesel will rise by 65 cents per litre. This follows an 84-cent increase in July, making diesel notably more expensive than in June 2025. For owners of vehicles like the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, filling an 80-litre tank could cost up to R117.60 more at stations maintaining typical retail margins. The unregulated nature of diesel retail prices means costs may vary significantly between stations.
Factors Driving the Changes
Several global and local factors are influencing these adjustments:
- International Oil Prices: A surge in Brent Crude oil prices in June 2025, driven by tensions in the Middle East, has impacted diesel prices more severely due to global supply concerns. Petrol prices, however, have benefited from a relatively stable oil market in July, with prices dipping to around $68 per barrel.
- Rand/Dollar Exchange Rate: The South African rand has shown resilience, appreciating slightly against the US dollar (from 18.11 to 17.84 Rand per USD in recent months), which has helped offset some of the international price pressures for petrol.
- Fuel Levy Increase: A notable factor is the General Fuel Levy increase announced in the 2025 Budget Speech, adding 16 cents per litre for petrol and 15 cents for diesel, effective June 4, 2025. This has raised the total tax burden on petrol to R6.37 per litre, contributing to cost-of-living concerns.
Impact on South Africans
The diesel price hike is particularly concerning for industries like agriculture and transport, where 500ppm diesel is widely used. Higher fuel costs could lead to increased prices for goods and services, adding to inflationary pressures. For consumers, the petrol price drop offers some relief, but the rising cost of diesel may indirectly affect everyday expenses like food and transport fares.
Looking Ahead
While petrol prices are currently benefiting from a stronger rand and softer global oil prices, diesel prices remain under pressure due to global supply dynamics. The Central Energy Fund (CEF) data suggests that August’s adjustments may not be the last, with potential for further changes depending on oil price volatility and currency fluctuations. Motorists are advised to monitor updates closely, as final adjustments are typically confirmed early each month.
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