As October 2025 kicks off, South African drivers are facing a familiar squeeze at the pumps: petrol prices are edging higher amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has announced modest but noticeable adjustments effective from 1 October, with 93-octane petrol up by 1 cent per litre and 95-octane climbing 8 cents per litre. Meanwhile, diesel users catch a rare break with decreases of 8 to 10 cents per litre. This mixed bag—petrol hike impact hitting cars hardest while diesel dips offer relief for trucks and taxis—could add up to R50–R100 extra monthly for the average commuter. In a nation where fuel accounts for up to 10% of household budgets, these South Africa fuel prices October 2025 shifts demand smart planning. Let’s break it down and arm you with tips to protect your wallet.
The Official Breakdown: DMRE’s October 2025 Fuel Price Adjustments
The DMRE’s monthly review factors in global crude oil trends, the rand-dollar exchange rate, and local levies like the Road Accident Fund (RAF) contribution. This time, a slight uptick in international refined fuel prices was tempered by a stronger rand (averaging R17.38/USD, down from September’s R17.80), resulting in the net changes below. Prices vary by zone: inland (Gauteng, Free State) is pricier due to transport costs, while coastal regions (Cape Town, Durban) pay less.
| Fuel Type | Change (c/l) | Inland September | Inland October | Coastal September | Coastal October |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 (Unleaded) | +1 | R21.47 | R21.48 | R20.68 | R20.69 |
| Petrol 95 (Unleaded) | +8 | R21.55 | R21.63 | R20.76 | R20.84 |
| Diesel (0.05% Sulphur) | -10 | R19.44 | R19.34 | R18.75 | R18.65 |
| Diesel (0.005% Sulphur) | -8 | R19.47 | R19.39 | R18.78 | R18.70 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | -11 | R12.50 | R12.39 | R11.81 | R11.70 |
*Source: DMRE via BusinessTech and IOL reports. Note: A 6.1c/l slate levy increase (to fund fuel industry wages) absorbed into petrol prices softened the blow slightly.*
Why the Petrol Hike? Global Factors Meet Local Realities
The petrol hike impact stems from a cocktail of international and domestic pressures. International benchmarks for unleaded petrol rose 0.5% in September, driven by Middle East tensions and steady U.S. demand. Yet, the rand’s 2.5% appreciation against the dollar slashed import costs by about 14 cents per litre—enough to cap increases at single digits.
Petrol Hike Impact: How Much Will It Sting Your Wallet?
For daily drivers, the petrol hike impact is immediate. Assume a typical Gauteng commuter: 40km round-trip to work, 22 workdays/month, vehicle efficiency of 10km/l.
- September cost: 88 litres x R21.55 = R1,896
- October cost: 88 litres x R21.63 = R1,903
- Extra monthly: R7 (small, but adds up with food inflation)
For heavier users, the impact is bigger. A bakkie driver doing 100km/day at 8km/l pays R44 extra. Multiply by households or delivery side-hustles, and the petrol hike can add R200+/month. Diesel taxis or logistics firms, however, save R80–R100 on 1,000 litres.
Diesel Dip: A Silver Lining for Fleets and Farmers
The 8–10c/l diesel decrease eases burdens for agriculture, logistics, and public transport. A small trucking business filling 5,000 litres monthly saves R400–R500, which may trickle down to cheaper groceries and transport fares.
Budgeting Tips for Commuters
- Track mileage with apps like Fuelly to boost efficiency.
- Carpool or use public transport platforms like Liftshare.
- Switch to 93-octane if your car allows (saves ~15c/l).
- Refuel mid-week to catch loyalty discounts.
- Negotiate hybrid workdays to reduce weekly fuel use by 20%.
Quick Fuel Cost Calculator
Fuel Cost Calculator (October 2025)
Wrapping Up
October’s South Africa fuel prices bring a petrol shock that’s more nudge than knockout, offset by diesel relief and a resilient rand. By budgeting smartly and using tools like the calculator, drivers can keep costs under control. Keep an eye on November’s update—geopolitics may flip the script again.