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Petrol Price Surge: South Africans Hit With Fuel Hikes in July 2025
Diesel jumps over 80 cents, while Western Cape LPGAS consumers face steep rise due to Saldanha surcharge
If you’re planning a road trip this July or budgeting for your daily commute, prepare to dig a little deeper into your wallet. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has confirmed the latest fuel price adjustments for July 2025 and it’s not good news for motorists.
What’s Changing at the Pump?
From Wednesday, 2 July 2025, fuel prices across South Africa will increase, with petrol climbing by up to 55 cents per litre and diesel seeing even steeper hikes of up to 84 cents per litre.
Here’s the official breakdown:
| Fuel Type | Price Change |
|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | +55 cents per litre |
| Petrol 95 | +52 cents per litre |
| Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) | +82 cents per litre |
| Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) | +84 cents per litre |
| Illuminating Paraffin | +67 cents per litre |
| LPGAS (National) | -57 cents per kg |
| LPGAS (Western Cape/Saldanha) | +190 cents per kg |
Why the Spike?
The surge in prices is mainly driven by global tensions and market volatility. June saw dramatic fluctuations in oil prices due to military strikes involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran. Although the rand remained surprisingly resilient, the erratic oil prices meant South Africa moved from over-recovery to a significant under-recovery in just weeks.
Add to that a rise in international product prices for petrol and diesel, and the result is what consumers will feel at the pumps this month.
Interestingly, while most fuel types increased, LPGAS saw a national drop, except in the Western Cape, where a ministerial decision added R1.90/kg for LPGAS imports through Saldanha Bay. That cost recovery surcharge will last for two years.
How Much You’ll Pay in July
Here’s how these changes translate at the pump (note: diesel reflects wholesale pricing):
Inland Prices (Gauteng and surrounds)
| Fuel Type | June Price | July Price |
|---|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R21.24 | R21.79 |
| 95 Petrol | R21.35 | R21.87 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R18.53 | R19.35 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R18.57 | R19.41 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.49 | R13.15 |
| LPGAS (per kg) | R37.34 | R36.77 |
Coastal Prices (KZN, Eastern Cape, etc.)
| Fuel Type | June Price | July Price |
|---|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R20.45 | R21.00 |
| 95 Petrol | R20.52 | R21.04 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R17.70 | R18.52 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R17.81 | R18.65 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R11.47 | R12.14 |
| LPGAS (per kg) | R34.18 | R33.61 |
| LPGAS (Saldanha WC) | R34.18 | R36.08 |
What South Africans Are Saying
On social media, early reactions have been a mix of frustration and resignation. Some users joked that “July stands for Just Use Less, Yho!”, while others expressed concern about the impact of diesel hikes on food transport and inflation.
Economists say that continued instability in the Middle East could keep oil prices unpredictable, meaning these increases may not be the last we see in 2025.
What You Can Do
-
Consider carpooling or using public transport where possible.
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Use fuel-efficient driving habits: maintain steady speeds, avoid unnecessary idling, and check tyre pressure.
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If you’re in the Western Cape, explore alternative energy sources where possible, as LPGAS costs could bite into household budgets for the next two years.
The Department has reiterated that Slate Levy remains unchanged at 0 cents per litre, and fuel stocks remain stable across the country.
Stay tuned for updates next month, and don’t forget to fill up before midnight if you want to beat the July 2 hike.
{Source: BusinessTech}
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