Good News at the Pumps: Petrol and Diesel Prices to Drop in September

A rare relief for motorists

For once, South African drivers have something to smile about: fuel prices are finally heading in the right direction. According to the latest mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), both petrol and diesel are on track to become cheaper in September.

While the cuts at the petrol pumps may be modestbetween 6c and 14c per litre, diesel users will feel the biggest relief, with projected decreases of just over 50c per litre.

With households already stretched by rising food prices and stubborn inflation, even a small break at the pumps matters. For many families, fuel costs spill over into nearly everything else, from school transport fees to grocery bills.

The numbers: what to expect

Here’s how September’s forecast looks, based on CEF projections:

• Petrol 93: down 14c per litre

• Petrol 95: down 6c per litre

• Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): down 51c per litre

• Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): down 52c per litre

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) will confirm the official adjustments at the end of the month, but unless there’s a dramatic market shift, September is looking friendlier for motorists.

Why prices are dropping

Two key factors are working in South Africa’s favour this time around:

1. A steadier rand. After weeks of being battered against the US dollar, the local currency found some footing in early August, softening the blow of imported fuel costs.

2. Oil prices cooling. Brent crude slipped to around $66 a barrel earlier in August before settling closer to $68. That’s still cheaper than last month, giving South Africa an “over-recovery” on fuel.

Geopolitics has played a surprisingly muted role. Despite ongoing instability in the Middle East and drawn-out talks around the Russia–Ukraine war, global supply hasn’t been as disrupted as feared. Moscow has managed to keep its oil exports flowing, much of it rerouted to India, which has stirred international criticism but kept global markets more balanced.

Public reaction: relief with a pinch of frustration

On social media, South Africans are greeting the news with cautious optimism. Many acknowledge that any price cut is welcome but argue that a few cents off petrol hardly dents the overall cost-of-living crisis.

Diesel users, particularly in transport and agriculture, are more upbeat. A 50c cut per litre could shave meaningful amounts off operating expenses, which might, in turn, ease pressure on food distribution costs.

Still, some users online remind us that just two months ago, the country faced steep hikes. “We’re celebrating cents back after paying rands more earlier this year,” one frustrated X (formerly Twitter) user commented.

A bigger picture to consider

While the September adjustment brings temporary relief, the broader issue remains: South Africa is deeply vulnerable to global oil markets and currency swings. As long as the rand stays shaky and the country remains dependent on imported fuel, motorists will continue riding the rollercoaster of pump prices.

For now, though, motorists can breathe a little easier knowing that September won’t hit as hard on their walletsand in today’s economic climate, that’s news worth holding onto.

{Source: The Citizen}

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