Motoring
Petrol Prices Drop for South Africans in August, but Diesel Will Hurt
By now, South Africans have gotten used to unpredictable fuel costs, but August brings a rare silver lining for those who drive petrol vehicles. According to the latest projections from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), a slight fuel price decrease is expected at the start of the month.
But not everyone will be smiling at the pumps. Diesel users, in particular, are in for a hit, with paraffin users not far behind.
A Small Win for Petrol Drivers
Petrol users can look forward to lower prices coming early August. If current conditions hold, 93 octane petrol is expected to drop by 32 cents per litre, while 95 octane will likely fall by 28 cents.
Inland drivers are currently paying R21.79 for 93 and R21.87 for 95. So even a modest cut makes a difference, especially with other living costs climbing.
This would be the first meaningful petrol relief in months, and drivers across the country are cautiously optimistic. “At this point, 30 cents feels like a bonus,” one motorist tweeted, reacting to the projections.
Diesel Drivers Get the Short End of the Stick
Diesel vehicle owners, however, are likely to see a price increase of up to 66 cents per litre. This affects:
-
Diesel 0.05%: expected to rise by 66 cents
-
Diesel 0.005%: expected to rise by 64 cents
That means inland diesel, currently sitting at R19.35 to R19.41, could creep closer to the R20 mark, putting more pressure on businesses, transporters, and everyday commuters who rely on bakkies and diesel engines.
In short: petrol eases off, but diesel tightens its grip.
Paraffin Users Also Hit
For households using illuminating paraffin for cooking or heating, things won’t get easier. A 30-cent-per-litre increase is expected across the board.
In July 2025, inland paraffin cost R13.16, while coastal areas paid R12.14. After this adjustment, the numbers will rise noticeably, a blow for communities already juggling steep winter energy bills.
What’s Behind the Change?
Fuel prices in South Africa are mainly driven by two international factors:
-
The price of oil on global markets
-
The rand-to-dollar exchange rate
At the time of writing:
-
Brent crude oil is trading at $69.06 per barrel
-
The rand is trading at R17.60 to the US dollar
Even small fluctuations in these numbers before month-end can affect the final fuel adjustment.
The CEF’s forecast is not final, but unless the market shifts sharply, the outlook for August seems steady: petrol down, diesel and paraffin up.
When Will It Kick In?
The official fuel price adjustments will be announced in early August and implemented just after midnight on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.
Until then, it might be worth topping up if you use diesel or paraffin and waiting a few days if you’re filling up with petrol.
Also read: SA’s Fair Pay Bill Could Change How You’re Hired in 2025
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: The South Africa
Featured Image: Pexels
