South African motorists have a reason to celebrate. The prices of petrol and diesel have dropped significantly over the past year, delivering much-needed financial relief at the pumps — and there’s more good news on the horizon.
ALSO READ: Petrol Price Drop in South Africa – What to Expect in June 2025
Petrol and Diesel Prices Down Over R4 per Litre Since May 2024
According to official figures, the retail prices of petrol and wholesale prices of diesel dropped by 15% to 16% between May 2024 and May 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of how much less South Africans are paying per litre:
| Fuel Type | May 2024 | May 2025 | Price Drop | % Drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inland (Gauteng, etc.) | ||||
| Unleaded 95 Petrol | R25.49 | R21.40 | -R4.09 | -16% |
| Unleaded 93 Petrol | R25.15 | R21.29 | -R3.86 | -15% |
| 50ppm Diesel | R22.24 | R18.94 | -R3.30 | -15% |
| 500ppm Diesel | R22.15 | R18.90 | -R3.25 | -15% |
| Coastal (Cape Town, Durban, etc.) | ||||
| Unleaded 95 Petrol | R24.70 | R20.83 | -R3.87 | -16% |
| Unleaded 93 Petrol | R24.36 | R20.50 | -R3.86 | -16% |
| 50ppm Diesel | R21.48 | R18.18 | -R3.30 | -15% |
| 500ppm Diesel | R21.36 | R18.11 | -R3.25 | -15% |
Big Fuel Savings: Up to R327 Less Per Tank
The price drops translate to hundreds of rands in savings per tank for motorists. Here’s how much less it costs to fill up today compared to May 2024:
| Tank Size | May 2024 | May 2025 | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded 95 Petrol | |||
| 45 litres | R1,147.05 | R963.00 | -R184.05 |
| 60 litres | R1,529.40 | R1,284.00 | -R245.40 |
| 80 litres | R2,039.20 | R1,712.00 | -R327.20 |
| Unleaded 93 Petrol | |||
| 45 litres | R1,131.75 | R958.05 | -R173.70 |
| 60 litres | R1,509.00 | R1,277.40 | -R231.60 |
| 80 litres | R2,012.00 | R1,703.20 | -R308.80 |
These savings are a major relief for families, transport companies, and delivery services amid persistent economic pressure.
More Fuel Price Cuts Expected in June 2025
According to the Central Energy Fund’s (CEF) latest unaudited data, fuel prices are likely to continue their downward trend into June 2025.
- Petrol is expected to drop by about 20 cents per litre
- Diesel could fall by up to 50 cents per litre
These expected cuts are largely driven by international oil prices and a relatively stable rand-dollar exchange rate.
Why Are Fuel Prices Falling in South Africa?
There are two primary drivers behind fuel price fluctuations in South Africa:
1. Global Oil Prices
South Africa imports most of its crude oil. The price of Brent Crude dropped 24% year-on-year — from $89.94 in April 2024 to $68.13 in April 2025.
2. Rand-Dollar Exchange Rate
Most global oil transactions are priced in US dollars. While the rand depreciated slightly, by about 0.1% year-on-year, it was not enough to offset the significant drop in oil prices.
Diesel Declines Help More Than Just Motorists
While 500ppm diesel is not typically used in modern passenger vehicles, its cost plays a key role in consumer inflation.
That’s because diesel powers:
- Freight trucks transporting goods across the country
- Agricultural machinery
- Industrial generators
When diesel prices fall, supply chain costs drop, potentially leading to lower prices on consumer goods over time.
How Fuel Prices Are Calculated in SA
In South Africa, fuel prices are reviewed monthly, based on:
- Average international oil prices
- The USD/ZAR exchange rate
- Local supply chain costs, including transport and refining
- Taxes and levies applied at the pump
For example, May 2024’s fuel price review was based on data collected from March 27 to April 25.
Final Takeaway: Good News for Drivers and the Economy
The sharp decline in fuel prices over the past year has provided real relief for South African consumers, both at the petrol station and at the grocery store.
With further cuts anticipated in June 2025, and global oil prices still relatively low, motorists could continue to benefit for months to come.
Key Points at a Glance
- Petrol and diesel prices dropped by up to R4.09/litre between May 2024 and May 2025
- Filling a tank now costs R184 to R327 less, depending on size and fuel type
- June 2025 forecast: Petrol could drop by another 20c/litre; diesel by 50c/litre
- Driven by 24% drop in oil prices and stable exchange rates
- Positive inflation impact expected due to lower freight and agricultural diesel costs
