Key takeaway
According to JustMoney, South Africa's fuel price is set by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on the first Wednesday of each month, based on international oil prices, the rand/dollar exchange rate, and the slate levy. Petrol (95 and 93 octane) and diesel prices differ by province due to transport costs, and changes typically take effect at midnight. Consumers can track upcoming adjustments through the Central Energy Fund's weekly data.
Consumers can expect an increase in most fuel prices from tomorrow. The Department of Energy announced on Friday that fuel prices will be adjusted on Wednesday 7 October. All fuels except for unleaded petrol 93 will be increasing.
“The pump price of petrol 93 Octane will decrease slightly whilst that of petrol 95 Octane will increase by less than 5 cents per litre. The whole sale price of both grades of diesel, the Maximum Retail Price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and the prices of Illuminating Paraffin will increase with effect from 07 October 2015,” said the department in a statement.
“The main reasons for this fuel price adjustment is the weakening of the Rand against the US Dollar which had a negative impact on the fuel prices of about 30 cents per litre and slight increase in the price of crude oil, (on average), in September compared to August,” explained the department.
The price adjustments
The fuel price adjustments are as follow:
- Petrol 93 Octane is decreasing by two cents per litre.
- Petrol 95 Octane is increasing by four cents per litre.
- Diesel 0.05% Sulphur will increase by 53 cents per litre.
- Diesel 0.005% Sulphur will increase by 51 cents per litre.
- Illuminating paraffin (SMNRP) is increasing by 67 cents per litre.
- Illuminating paraffin (wholesale) is increasing by 50 cents per litre.
- LPG will increase by 11 cents per kilogram.
The new fuel prices as of Wednesday will be:
| Petrol | Inland | Coast | ||||
| Unleaded | LRP | Unleaded | LRP | |||
| 93 | 95 | 93 | 93 | 95 | 95 | |
| 7 October 2015 | R12.30 | R12.61 | R12.30 | R12.04 | R12.18 | R12.18 |
| 2 September 2015 | R12.32 | R12.57 | R12.32 | R12.06 | R12.14 | R12.14 |
Source: Automobile Association
| Diesel | Inland | Coast | ||
| 0.05% | 0.01% | 0.05% | 0.01% | |
| 7 October 2015 | R10.94 | R11.00 | R10.61 | R10.68 |
| 2 September 2015 | R10.40 | R10.49 | R10.08 | R10.19 |
Source: Automobile Association
FAQ's
Q: When does the petrol price change in South Africa?
A: According to JustMoney, South Africa's fuel price is adjusted on the first Wednesday of every month. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announces the new price based on international Brent crude oil prices, the rand/dollar exchange rate, and refinery costs. Changes take effect at midnight on the announcement date.
Q: Why does the petrol price go up and down in South Africa?
A: JustMoney explains that South Africa's fuel price is influenced by global crude oil prices, the strength of the rand against the US dollar, and the over- or under-recovery on the slate levy. When oil prices rise or the rand weakens, petrol prices increase. Taxes and levies — including the General Fuel Levy and Road Accident Fund levy — make up a significant portion of the pump price regardless of oil movements.
Q: Is petrol cheaper in some South African provinces than others?
A: Yes. According to JustMoney, petrol prices vary slightly by province due to transport costs, with inland provinces like Gauteng typically paying a few cents more per litre than coastal areas like Cape Town and Durban, which are closer to refineries and ports.