An important relief awaits South African motorists here in August, as petrol price will now become affordable at the expense of the diesel users.
Petrol Price Drop In South Africa
- 24 cents per litre is to be dropped from 93 petrol.
- 20 cents per litre will be taken off for Petrol 95.
For regular petrol drivers and the cost of traveling for everyday livelihood and long-distance, this is good news indeed. It is in keeping with monthly adjustments in the fuel prices in the country.
Diesel price surges:
Conversely, diesel users are not so fortunate.
Diesel (0.05% sulfur) is experiencing a sharp increase of 63 cents per litre.
Such an increase is indicative of greater alteration to crude oil benchmarks worldwide—market volatility and supply-chain disruption serve as premising causes—and disproportionally hurts freight carriers, minibus taxis, and everyday diesel vehicle owners.
What has been causing the swings?
Fuel price in South Africa is calculated with international benchmark rates: Brent crude as a benchmark for petrol and diesel and the RAND/USD exchange rate. Here is a breakdown:
The petrol drop
A rather weaker oil price and a stronger rand against the dollar are saving pump prices from rising this month. Saving costs of between 20 and 24 c/litre has gone in favour of petrol users.
Diesel spike
Diesel benchmarks have faced upward pressure, probably in view of supply constraints and rising refining costs, triggering a steep price jump.
Effect on consumers and industries
Private petrol drivers: With the new rates, daily commuter costs should be a little lighter on the pocket.
Diesel gagging industries: Logistics, agriculture, and commercial transport will feel the pinch as fuel is a major operational expense.
Transport-cost ripple: Diesel increase throws a higher price tag onto consumer goods transport.
The larger economic implications
Variations in fuel prices affect inflation and hence government policy. High diesel costs will contribute to inflation as businesses pass higher transport costs to consumers. Petrol price reductions could, however, offset some of that pressure.
A policymaker could trade off inflation through this fuel-price adjustment, or choose to raise the fuel levy, whose proceeds go to the government but whose burden goes to the customers.
For petrol vehicles: Owners will enjoy lower running costs in August, with the fuel price coming down by about 20–24 c/litre.
What to do
For diesel users: Be ready for a noticeably increased cost-bill; about 63 c/l is the extra charge. Remember alternate means of offset: Efficient driving, car-pooling, or maybe taking an alternate route.
Stay aware: Look out for the official August fuel price announcement setting out the exact new retail prices for all grades across the country.
August 2025 fuel price summary:
- Petrol 93 → down by 24 c/l
- Petrol 95 → down by 20 c/l
- Diesel 0.05% → up by 63 c/l
Petrol users have generally benefited from this price adjustment in August, while diesel users have been put through a harder time. The mixed adjustment in prices stands as a reminder-very critical for both consumers and businesses-that South Africa’s fuel prices are highly sensitive to global oil and currency forces.
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