South African motorists may soon experience welcome relief at the pumps, with the latest indicators pointing to notable fuel price decreases in September.
According to the latest fuel price projections, both petrol and diesel prices are expected to drop -provided current market trends hold steady over the next 10 days.
Favourable pricing outlook
The strengthening of the rand against the US dollar, coupled with a decline in Brent crude oil prices, has created a favourable pricing outlook heading into the new month.
This combination – a stronger currency and lower international oil costs – is the key to fuel price reductions in South Africa, where local prices are heavily influenced by global markets and exchange rates.
What it Means for motorists
If these trends persist, motorists could pay less for both 93 and 95 octane petrol, while diesel drivers may benefit even more from potentially bigger cuts in wholesale prices.
The exact figures will only be confirmed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy at month-end.
Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), effective Thursday, 21 August.
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | decrease of 14 cents |
| Petrol 95 | decrease of 6 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | decrease of 51 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | decrease of 52 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | decrease of 36 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 – a decrease of 14 cents is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and a decrease of six cents for 95 users.
Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something between a 51 and 52 cents per litre decrease.
Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to drop by 36 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 $67.77 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.70/$.
The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed early next month with the new prices taking effect at midnight on Tuesday, 2 September 2025.
Go easy on the accelerator until then, Mzansi.
The current August 2025 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):
| INLAND | August |
| Petrol 93 | R21.51 |
| Petrol 95 | R21.59 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R20.00 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R20.04 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R13.47 |
| COASTAL | August |
| Petrol 93 | R20.72 |
| Petrol 95 | R20.76 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R19.17 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R19.28 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.46 |
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
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
