JOHANNESBURG – South African motorists will pay more for petrol, while diesel users will see a marginal decrease, following the official adjustment of the South Africa new fuel prices in September 2025. The changes, effective from Wednesday, 3 September, reflect a volatile period of international oil prices and a weaker Rand, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy confirmed.
South Africa New Fuel Prices in September 2025
| Fuel Type | Price Adjustment (per liter) | Key Driver |
| Petrol (95 ULP) | + 25 cents | Higher international petrol product costs |
| Petrol (93 ULP) | + 22 cents | Higher international petrol product costs |
| Diesel (0.05% Sulphur) | – 10 cents | Lower international diesel product costs |
| Diesel (0.005% Sulphur) | – 12 cents | Lower international diesel product costs |
| Illuminating Paraffin | – 15 cents | Weaker Rand offset by lower product costs |
Detailed Breakdown of the September Adjustments
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced the official price changes on Tuesday, which took effect across the country on the first Wednesday of the month. The adjustment presents a mixed outcome for consumers and various sectors of the economy.
Specifically, the price of both grades of petrol has increased. 95 Octane Unleaded Petrol (ULP) rose by 25 cents per litre, while 93 Octane ULP increased by 22 cents per litre.
In contrast, the diesel price South Africa has seen a slight reduction. The price for diesel with 0.05% sulphur content dropped by 10 cents per litre, and the cleaner 0.005% sulphur diesel decreased by 12 cents per litre. Illuminating paraffin users will also see relief, with a price drop of 15 cents per litre.
Factors Driving the Price Changes
The monthly fuel price is primarily influenced by two main international factors: the price of crude oil and the performance of the Rand against the US Dollar. According to the DMRE’s statement, the review period from late July to late August saw a combination of these elements contributing to the final pump price.
International Product Prices
The average price of Brent crude oil saw a moderate increase during the review period. This was largely attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions and production decisions by major oil-producing nations. However, the international market saw a divergence in the prices of refined products.
“While the base price of oil went up, the demand and supply dynamics for petrol and diesel differed globally,” explained an energy analyst from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) in a press briefing. “This led to higher international petrol costs but slightly lower costs for diesel, creating the split adjustment we see this month.”
Rand-Dollar Exchange Rate
The Rand weakened against the US Dollar during the review period, averaging R18.50 to the dollar. Since South Africa purchases oil in US Dollars, a weaker local currency makes these imports more expensive. This currency weakness contributed significantly to the petrol price increase, counteracting some of the relief seen in international diesel prices.
Impact on Consumers and the Economy
The latest adjustment will have varied effects across the country. Private vehicle owners, the majority of whom use petrol, will face increased transport costs, adding pressure to already strained household budgets.
“Any increase in petrol is a blow to consumers who rely on private transport for their daily commute,” said a spokesperson for the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa. “It directly impacts disposable income and could have a knock-on effect on consumer spending in other areas.”
However, the decrease in the price of diesel offers a small measure of relief to the transport, logistics, and agricultural sectors, which are heavily reliant on diesel. This could help prevent immediate increases in the cost of transported goods and food. Economists suggest that while the diesel decrease is welcome, its impact on overall inflation will be minimal unless the trend continues.
Understanding the Fuel Price Components
It is important for consumers to understand that the final price at the pump is comprised of several elements. The Basic Fuel Price (BFP) is the largest component, reflecting the international costs. Added to this are various domestic costs.
These include:
- Wholesale and retail margins for fuel companies.
- Distribution costs.
- Taxes and levies, such as the General Fuel Levy and the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy.
These levies are fixed amounts per litre and are not affected by the monthly international fluctuations. They form a significant portion of the total cost paid by motorists.
The next fuel price adjustment, for October 2025, will be determined by the performance of the Rand and international oil prices throughout September. The DMRE is expected to announce those changes at the end of the month.
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FAQs
What are the new petrol prices for September 2025?
Starting 3 September 2025, 95 ULP petrol increased by 25 cents per litre and 93 ULP petrol increased by 22 cents per litre. The final pump price will vary by geographical zone.
Why did petrol go up while diesel went down?
This occurred because the international market prices for refined petrol and refined diesel moved in different directions during the August review period. While crude oil prices rose, global diesel product costs fell slightly, while petrol product costs increased.
When is the next fuel price adjustment?
The fuel price is adjusted on the first Wednesday of every month. The next change will be for October 2025 and is expected to be announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on or before Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
