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South African motorists have once again been hit with a sharp increase in fuel prices, with the latest adjustments officially taking effect from Monday, August 12, 2025. The surge in both petrol and diesel costs has caused concern among households, businesses, and the transport sector, many of whom are already facing pressure from broader economic challenges.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the new fuel prices by province and explores the reasons behind the increase, as well as how consumers can adjust to the ongoing volatility in the fuel market.
Key Factors Behind the August Fuel Price Hike
Fuel prices in South Africa are influenced by several external and internal factors. Globally, oil prices have remained volatile due to geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions, and rising demand during the northern hemisphere’s summer months. This has driven up the cost of importing crude oil and refined petroleum products.
Locally, fluctuations in the rand-dollar exchange rate also play a major role in determining monthly fuel adjustments. Even small shifts in the exchange rate can result in significant price movements at the pumps. In the case of the August increase, the weakening rand, combined with higher global oil prices, contributed to the upward adjustment.
Additionally, logistical costs, fuel taxes, and levies added to the final price consumers pay per litre. These include the General Fuel Levy and the Road Accident Fund levy, which remain constant but make up a significant portion of the retail price.
New Fuel Prices as of August 12, 2025
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced the following national increases:
- Petrol 93: up by 28 cents per litre
- Petrol 95: up by 28 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: up by 65 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: up by 63 cents per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: up by 32 cents per litre
These increases are applicable across all nine provinces but vary slightly depending on proximity to fuel supply points, such as ports or depots. Inland provinces typically pay more than coastal provinces due to additional transport costs.
Per Litre Fuel Prices by Province
Here is an updated look at the approximate fuel prices by province as of August 12, 2025. Prices may vary slightly at different stations.
Gauteng
- Petrol 93: R24.95 per litre
- Petrol 95: R25.30 per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: R22.80 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: R22.95 per litre
Western Cape
- Petrol 93: R23.70 per litre
- Petrol 95: R24.10 per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: R21.65 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: R21.80 per litre
KwaZulu-Natal
- Petrol 93: R24.10 per litre
- Petrol 95: R24.45 per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: R22.10 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: R22.25 per litre
Eastern Cape
- Petrol 93: R23.85 per litre
- Petrol 95: R24.20 per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: R21.75 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: R21.90 per litre
Free State
- Petrol 93: R24.60 per litre
- Petrol 95: R24.95 per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: R22.55 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: R22.70 per litre
Limpopo
- Petrol 93: R24.80 per litre
- Petrol 95: R25.15 per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: R22.70 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: R22.85 per litre
Mpumalanga
- Petrol 93: R24.75 per litre
- Petrol 95: R25.10 per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: R22.60 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: R22.75 per litre
North West
- Petrol 93: R24.50 per litre
- Petrol 95: R24.85 per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: R22.40 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: R22.55 per litre
Northern Cape
- Petrol 93: R25.10 per litre
- Petrol 95: R25.45 per litre
- Diesel 0.05%: R23.00 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: R23.15 per litre
How the Fuel Hike Affects the Average Consumer
With petrol and diesel now costing well over R24 per litre in most parts of the country, the effect on household budgets is immediate. Private vehicle owners are spending significantly more on their daily commutes. Many families are already adjusting by reducing non-essential trips, carpooling, or relying more on public transport where available.
The rise in diesel prices has a broader economic impact. It increases the operating costs for logistics companies, public transport providers, and agricultural producers. These higher costs are often passed down to consumers through increased prices on groceries, services, and public transport fares.
Tips to Save on Fuel in the Current Climate
As fuel prices continue to rise, it’s becoming more important for motorists to adopt cost-saving strategies. Here are a few practical steps that can help:
- Drive more efficiently by avoiding rapid acceleration and excessive idling
- Keep tyres properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency
- Plan routes in advance to avoid traffic and unnecessary detours
- Use public transport when feasible
- Join fuel rewards programs offered by major fuel retailers
- Share lifts with colleagues or friends when commuting
Is There Relief in Sight?
Fuel prices in South Africa are adjusted monthly, and there is always the hope that market conditions will improve. However, with global uncertainty in oil-producing regions and ongoing pressure on the local currency, it’s difficult to predict when consumers will see meaningful relief at the pump.
Government initiatives around fuel levies, strategic fuel reserves, and alternative energy sources continue to be discussed, but any long-term solution will take time to implement.
Conclusion
The August 12 fuel price surge has once again reminded South Africans of the direct impact that global markets, local currency fluctuations, and government policy have on everyday life. With petrol and diesel now among the highest monthly expenses for many, both individuals and businesses will need to adopt smart strategies to navigate the months ahead.
Keeping informed about upcoming price changes, managing vehicle use wisely, and planning ahead will be key in dealing with the continuing rise in fuel costs across all provinces.