South African motorists will face higher costs at the pump this Wednesday as the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMPR) announces a R1.43 per litre increase for both Petrol 93 and Petrol 95 (ULP and LRP). However, relief is on the horizon for diesel users, paraffin consumers, and LP gas buyers, with notable price reductions taking effect simultaneously.
Monthly Fuel Price Adjustments
The DMPR has confirmed the following adjusted prices, effective from the first Wednesday of the month:
|
Fuel Type
|
Price Adjustment
|
|---|---|
|
Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP)
|
+R1.43/litre
|
|
Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP)
|
+R1.43/litre
|
|
Diesel (0.05% sulphur)
|
−R3.24/litre
|
|
Diesel (0.005% sulphur)
|
−R2.61/litre
|
|
Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale)
|
−R5.96/litre
|
|
Illuminating Paraffin (retail)
|
−R7.95/litre
|
|
LP Gas (national)
|
−17c/kg
|
|
LP Gas (Western Cape)
|
−20c/kg
|
Global and Local Factors Driving Changes
According to the DMPR, the petrol price increase is largely attributed to rising international crude oil benchmarks. “The average Brent Crude oil price increased from US$101 to US$104.59 during the period under review,” the department stated. “This upward pressure stems from continued geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, alongside concerns regarding potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz.”
Conversely, middle distillates—specifically diesel and paraffin—saw more significant price declines. The department explained that seasonal shifts are playing a key role: “Lower seasonal demand as the northern hemisphere transitions into summer has contributed to reduced prices for diesel and paraffin relative to petrol.”
While Propane and Butane prices remained stable during the review period, decreased freight costs provided additional downward pressure on LP gas pricing.
Rand Strength and Levy Adjustments Provide Modest Relief
The South African Rand’s modest appreciation against the US Dollar—from R16.65 to R16.52 per USD—also influenced the final pricing structure. This currency movement resulted in slightly lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices:
- Petrol: −12.07 cents/litre
- Diesel: −14.81 cents/litre
- Illuminating Paraffin: −14.55 cents/litre
Further easing the impact on consumers, the general fuel levy has been reduced effective Wednesday:
- Petrol: −R1.50/litre
- Diesel: −R1.96/litre
What This Means for Consumers
Transport industry representatives note that while the diesel reduction will benefit logistics operators and freight companies, private vehicle owners reliant on petrol should budget for the R1.43/litre increase. Households using paraffin for heating and cooking, particularly in off-grid communities, will experience meaningful savings following the substantial retail price decrease.
The DMPR advises consumers to monitor official channels for region-specific pricing variations and reminds retailers that the new maximum retail prices must be displayed prominently at all points of sale.