The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed the official fuel price adjustments that took effect at midnight on Tuesday, 30 September.
The changes brought a mixed outcome for South African motorists, with petrol prices seeing a slight increase and diesel users benefiting from a small decrease.
According to the department, these adjustments result from a combination of fluctuating international oil prices, a stronger rand, and wage increases for forecourt workers.
- Petrol (93 and 95 octane):
Increase of 1 to 8 cents per litre - Diesel (0.05% and 0.005% sulphur):
Decrease of 8 to 10 cents per litre
Market Forces Behind the Changes
September saw international oil prices remain relatively stable, trading mostly around $67 per barrel, with a brief spike to $69.
This, along with a firm rand, which averaged R17.30/$ and strengthened further toward month-end, contributed to an improved price environment.
The department reported that the market moved from an under-recovery at the start of the month to an over-recovery by the end – particularly benefiting diesel prices.
However, wage increases for fuel station workers added slight upward pressure on petrol pricing.
Consumer Impact
While the petrol price hike is minimal, it does come at a time when households are already stretched by rising living costs.
On the other hand, the diesel price cut is likely to be welcomed by commercial sectors such as transport, logistics, and agriculture, which rely heavily on diesel for operations.
The department has advised motorists to monitor ongoing changes in the fuel price environment, which remains sensitive to global oil markets and currency fluctuations.
South Africans are encouraged to stay informed and plan their fuel purchases accordingly.
The next round of fuel price adjustments will take effect at midnight on Tuesday, 4 November.
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | increase of 1 cents |
| Petrol 95 | increase of 8 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | decrease of 10 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | decrease of 8 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | decrease of 11 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 $66.13 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.26/$.
The new October 2025 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):
| INLAND | October |
| Petrol 93 | R21.48 |
| Petrol 95 | R21.63 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R19.34 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R19.39 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.99 |
| COASTAL | October |
| Petrol 93 | R20.69 |
| Petrol 95 | R20.80 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R18.51 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R18.63 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R11.98 |
