Below are the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s official adjustments, effective Wednesday, 2 July 2025:
| Fuel Type | Increase (cents per litre) |
|---|---|
| 93 Unleaded Petrol | 55 |
| 95 Unleaded Petrol | 52 |
| Diesel (0.05% sulphur) | 82 |
| Diesel (0.005% sulphur) | 84 |
| Illuminating Paraffin (Domestic) | 67 |
| Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale) | 89 |
These changes reflect the latest review by the Central Energy Fund on behalf of government.
Key Drivers Behind the Hike
- International oil prices climbed as Brent Crude rose from USD 63.95 to USD 69.36 per barrel in June 2025, driven largely by renewed Middle East tensions and supply-disruption fears.
- Despite a firmer rand – averaging R17.90 to the dollar – the higher commodity cost outweighed currency gains, leading to steeper Basic Fuel Price contributions.
Regional Retail Prices
Fuel stations apply varying margins on the wholesale price. After the July increase, typical inland prices will be approximately:
| Fuel Type | Coastal Price (R/litre) | Inland Price (R/litre) |
|---|---|---|
| 95 Unleaded Petrol | 21.08 | 21.87 |
| 93 Unleaded Petrol | 20.79 | 21.79 |
| Diesel (50 ppm) | 18.65 | 19.41 |
These figures include prevailing levies and estimated retail mark-ups.
Impact on Consumers and Fleets
- Filling a 45-litre hatchback tank with 95 Unleaded will cost about R24.75 more in July 2025.
- A 60-litre SUV tank of 95 Unleaded adds roughly R33 extra.
- Diesel users face higher bills: an 80-litre double-cab bakkie may incur an additional R77.28 per fill-up, based on a 15 percent forecourt margin.
Rising fuel costs feed directly into transport fees, grocery prices and service-delivery charges, straining household budgets and small-business cash flows.
Tech Solutions to Monitor and Mitigate Costs
- Real-time fuel-price apps (e.g. Petrolprices) let drivers locate the cheapest nearby stations.
- Telematics platforms track fuel consumption, idle time and route efficiency to curb wastage.
- Car-sharing, ride-hailing and mobility-as-a-service options help urban commuters reduce individual ownership costs.
- Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, supported by growing charging networks, offer long-term resilience against price volatility.
Leveraging these tools allows both individuals and fleets to optimise fuel spend.
Policy and Industry Perspectives
The Automobile Association warns that continual fuel-levy hikes without transparent disbursement details hurt affordability and trust. In June, the general fuel levy rose by 16 c/litre for petrol and 15 c/litre for diesel, driving total taxes on petrol to R6.37 per litre – factors that compounded the July increase’s impact.
Tips for South African Drivers
- Bookmark reliable fuel-price trackers and enable push notifications for price changes.
- Use GPS apps with live-traffic data to avoid congestion and excessive idling.
- For business fleets, negotiate bulk or contract rates with preferred suppliers.
- Explore government incentives and rebates for electric-vehicle adoption in your province.
