South African motorists may face a small increase in petrol prices in October, but strengthening exchange rates and stabilising oil prices are beginning to ease pressure at the pumps.
According to latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), petrol price indicators remain in negative territory, suggesting a potential increase of between 11 and 19 cents per litre.
However, diesel users could see some relief, with a drop of 9 cents per litre currently on the cards.
Modest stability
The global oil price remains relatively flat, with Brent Crude hovering around $66 per barrel – a narrow range that has persisted since early August.
This modest stability, coupled with a strengthening rand, could improve the outlook for fuel prices by month’s end.
Petrol remains under pressure due to slightly higher international product prices used in refining, while diesel continues to benefit from favourable pricing trends in global markets.
Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), effective Thursday, 11 September.
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | increase of 11 cents |
| Petrol 95 | increase of 19 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | decrease of 9 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | decrease of 9 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | decrease of 12 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 – an increase of 11 cents is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and an increase of 19 cents for 95 users.
Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something around a nine cents per litre decrease.
Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to drop by 12 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 $67.59 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.40/$.
The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed later in the month with the new prices taking effect at midnight on either Tuesday, 30 October or Tuesday, 7 October (TBC).
Go easy on the accelerator until then, Mzansi.
The current September 2025 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):
| INLAND | September |
| Petrol 93 | R21.47 |
| Petrol 95 | R21.55 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R19.44 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R19.47 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R13.10 |
| COASTAL | September |
| Petrol 93 | R20.68 |
| Petrol 95 | R20.72 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R18.61 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R18.71 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | 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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