Petrol price set to drop this August in South Africa — Diesel faces significant rise
Fueling a car (Photo by Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gas-pump-nozzle-filling-the-white-car-12377482/)
South African motorists have mixed news ahead: petrol price is expected to fall in August, while diesel costs climb sharply. Experts say a stronger rand and stable international oil prices are driving the petrol relief, but diesel remains vulnerable to global seasonal demand.
Petrol Price Forecast: A Welcome Cut
According to the latest Central Energy Fund (CEF) estimates, motorists can expect petrol price reductions of:
- 28–32 cents per litre for 93 octane
- 24–28 cents per litre for 95 octane
These decreases would return 95 ULP to around R20.78–R21.57/L across coastal and inland areas, levels last seen in early 2025. A strengthening rand is contributing nearly five cents of relief, on top of stable Brent crude prices (~$67–70/barrel).
Diesel Shock: Prices Spike in August
Despite petrol relief, diesel motorists face steep hikes:
- 50 ppm diesel expected to rise by 65–68 cents per litre
- 500 ppm diesel set for a 66-cent increase
This “diesel bloodbath” results from seasonal international demand, with refinery utilization up globally. The diesel increase starkly contrasts petrol trends and may hit transport costs hard.
Why the Divergence in Petrol and Diesel?
The rand-dollar strength softens petrol pricing, whereas diesel remains high due to:
- Peak heating and industrial fuel demand in the northern hemisphere
- Refinery outage adjustments
- Steady Brent crude, staying within $67–70/bbl, provides limited diesel relief
CEF reports indicate global trends are reinforcing diesel prices, even as local currency relief shapes petrol.
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Impact on Consumers and Economy
- Logistics and transport companies
- Farming and industry fuel use
- Goods and services dependent on diesel-run supply chains
Rising diesel prices could ripple into inflation and end-user costs in coming months.
What to Expect This Month
- Fuel price changes will be confirmed on the first Wednesday of August (5th Aug, 2025)
- Immediate pump adjustments start midnight after release
- New benchmark prices typically apply for 28 days following the adjustment
How to Beat the Fuel Price Shift
To offset rising diesel costs or capitalise on petrol relief, drivers can:
- Drive efficiently, avoiding aggressive acceleration
- Plan travel to minimise diesel tank usage on higher days
- Use price comparison apps for cheapest local fuel rates
- Consider filling up at coastal or lower-priced inland stations
August brings little relief for diesel buyers and moderate savings for petrol users. The fuel price dichotomy highlights South Africa’s vulnerability to both global demand and rand strength. With current economic pressures, next month’s outcome may significantly influence consumer confidence and inflation trends.
