South Africa’s motorists could see a slight increase in petrol prices in October, while diesel users may enjoy a small drop, thanks to stabilising oil prices and a stronger rand.
According to the latest figures from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), petrol prices are currently under-recovering, indicating a possible rise of between 8 and 16 cents per litre.
In contrast, diesel prices could fall by 9 to 10 cents per litre, continuing a positive trend seen in global diesel markets.
Global oil and currency trends
The Brent Crude oil price has remained steady at around $67 per barrel since early August, providing some relief to international fuel markets.
Meanwhile, the rand’s gradual strengthening is helping to buffer against sharp fuel price increases.
Petrol remains under pressure due to slightly higher international product prices, while diesel benefits from more favourable global pricing.
With modest shifts in global conditions, South African fuel prices may stabilise further ahead of the official adjustment in early October.
Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), effective Monday, 15 September.
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | increase of 8 cents |
| Petrol 95 | increase of 16 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | decrease of 10 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | decrease of 9 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | decrease of 14 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 8 cents is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and an increase of 16 cents for 95 users.
Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something between a 9 to 10 cents per litre decrease.
Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to drop by 14 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 $67.66 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.35/$.
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 |
