South African motorists can expect some relief at the pumps this week, as the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced fuel price cuts effective midnight on Tuesday, 2 September.
According to the official statement, petrol prices will decrease by 4 cents per litre, while diesel users will benefit from a larger cut of up to 57 cents per litre.
Illuminating paraffin will also drop by 42 cents per litre.
The reductions follow a month of global market turbulence.
Oil prices came under pressure due to rising OPEC+ output and the continued effects of the Donald Trump administration’s renewed tariff and trade war, which softened global demand.
Additionally, the global diesel shortage has begun to stabilise, improving diesel price recoveries.
Unexpectedly, the South African rand held firm despite the recent implementation of a 30% US tariff on local exports, trading in a narrow band between R17.50 and R17.80 to the dollar throughout August.
Analysts say the resilient currency, coupled with improved international diesel prices, enabled the over-recovery that led to this month’s cuts.
“While modest, this decrease offers welcome relief for consumers and businesses facing rising costs across the board,” an industry source commented.
The department urged motorists to remain cautious, noting that fuel price volatility may continue in the months ahead, depending on global economic and political developments.
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | decrease of 4 cents |
| Petrol 95 | decrease of 4 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | decrease of 56 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | decrease of 57 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | decrease of 37 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 $68.16 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.61/$.
The new September 2025 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):
| INLAND | August | September |
| Petrol 93 | R21.51 | R21.47 |
| Petrol 95 | R21.59 | R21.55 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R20.00 | R19.44 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R20.04 | R19.47 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R13.47 | R13.10 |
| COASTAL | August | September |
| Petrol 93 | R20.72 | R20.68 |
| Petrol 95 | R20.76 | R20.72 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R19.17 | R18.61 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R19.28 | R18.71 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.46 | R12.09 |
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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