September Fuel Price Relief: Diesel Drops Sharply, Petrol Slightly Cheaper

South Africans heading to the pumps this week will finally catch a bit of a break. From Wednesday, 3 September, fuel prices are set for a welcome adjustment that sees diesel falling by more than 50 cents per litre, while petrol shaves just a few cents off its current price.

What Drivers Will Pay

If the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy confirms the predictions released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF), motorists can expect the following from Wednesday:

• 95 Unleaded petrol: R20.76 per litre at the coast, R21.55 inland (Gauteng)

• 93 Unleaded petrol: R21.39 inland

• 50ppm diesel (wholesale): R18.72 per litre at the coast, R19.48 inland

Diesel customers, in particular, will feel the biggest relief, with predicted cuts of around 55 to 56 cents per litre. Petrol users won’t save as much, with prices dipping between 4 and 12 cents depending on the grade.

Why Prices Are Falling

Global market trends have been kinder to South African consumers this month. International diesel prices dipped in August as inventories built up, Bloomberg reported. The rand also provided a small helping hand, contributing 1.5 cents of relief in the fuel pricing equation.

This shift is especially significant for diesel, which directly affects transport costs and, in turn, the prices of goods on supermarket shelves.

A Boost for the Cost of Living

South Africa’s inflation picture has been a sore point for households. In July, Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) ticked up to 3.5% from 3.0% the month before, with food prices and previous diesel hikes partly to blame.

The September cut takes diesel back to the levels seen earlier this year, offering some breathing room for logistics companies, taxi operators, and everyday commuters who’ve been tightening their belts.

Stability After a Rocky Ride

Despite the economic strain many households still face, petrol has remained relatively stable in 2025. In fact, 95 Unleaded is now four cents cheaper than it was in January, a rare moment of steadiness in a year where global oil markets have remained unpredictable.

The official announcement of September’s fuel prices is expected early this week, but for now, South Africans can start September with the hope of slightly lighter bills at the pump.

Source:IOL 

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