South Africans can expect a modest reprieve at the pumps as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announces fuel price adjustments effective at midnight between Tuesday, 2 September, and Wednesday, 3 September 2025. This article breaks down the latest changes in petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin, and LPGas prices, alongside reasons for the adjustments and specific prices for inland and coastal regions. IOL
Price Drops at a Glance
The DMRE adjusts fuel prices monthly based on global oil markets and local factors like the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate. For September 2025, expect modest reductions across the board, offering slight relief to motorists and households. The Citizen
| Fuel Type | Price Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Petrol (93 ULP & LRP) | Decrease of 4 c/l |
| Petrol (95 ULP & LRP) | Decrease of 4 c/l |
| Diesel (0.05% sulphur, 500 ppm) | Decrease of 56 c/l |
| Diesel (0.005% sulphur, 50 ppm) | Decrease of 57 c/l |
| Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) | Decrease of 37 c/l |
| LPGas (Maximum Retail Price) | Decrease of R1.32/kg (R1.51/kg in Western Cape) |
Main Drivers Behind the Relief
The September 2025 fuel price reductions are driven by lower international petroleum prices and a slightly stronger rand, as reported by The Citizen and IOL:
- Lower Crude Oil Prices: Brent Crude oil prices dropped from $83.55 to $78.54 per barrel, reflecting increased production from major oil-producing countries despite softer demand.
- International Petroleum Prices: Prices for petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin decreased, contributing to lower Basic Fuel Prices (BFP) by approximately 85.59 c/l and 78.40 c/l for petrol, 93.55 c/l and 67.63 c/l for diesel, and 91.86 c/l for paraffin.
- Rand/US Dollar Exchange Rate: The rand appreciated slightly from R17.76 to R17.73, reducing BFP contributions by about 1.5 c/l across petrol, diesel, and paraffin. IOL
- Forecourt Staff Wage Adjustment: A 5.3 c/l increase in petrol prices was applied to cover wage increases for forecourt employees, partially offsetting the reductions.
How Much You’ll Pay Region-Wise
Fuel prices differ between inland and coastal regions due to transport costs, with inland prices reflecting a zone differential. Below are the prices effective from midnight, 2–3 September 2025, based on The Citizen and IOL:
| Fuel Type | Coast (R/l or R/kg) | Inland (Gauteng, R/l) |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP) | R20.68 | R21.47 |
| Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) | R20.76 | R21.55 |
| Diesel 0.05% (500 ppm) | R18.71 | R19.47 |
| Diesel 0.005% (50 ppm) | R18.71 | R19.47 |
| Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) | Not specified | Not specified |
| LPGas (Max Retail Price) | R33.79 (R35.98 in Western Cape) | R33.79 |
What It Means for You
These price reductions, particularly the significant diesel savings of 56–57 c/l, could ease transport logistics and inflationary pressures, as noted by MoneyWeb. Potential impacts include:
- Lower Transport Costs: Reduced diesel prices may lead to cheaper public transport fares and delivery charges.
- Stabilized Food Prices: Lower logistics costs could help keep grocery prices in check.
- Business Savings: Fuel-dependent businesses may see reduced overheads, potentially passing savings to consumers.
How to Maximise Fuel Savings
To make the most of these price drops, consider these fuel-saving tips:
- Drive Efficiently: Avoid idling, maintain steady speeds, and reduce heavy loads.
- Carpool: Share rides with colleagues or neighbors to cut costs.
- Use Public Transport: Opt for buses or trains in urban areas.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular servicing and proper tyre pressure improve fuel efficiency.
- Plan Routes: Combine errands to minimize unnecessary trips.
Looking Ahead: What May Impact Future Prices
While September 2025 brings relief, Algoa FM notes that global oil market volatility and geopolitical tensions could influence future prices. The rand’s performance against the US Dollar remains a key factor. Bookmark saffarazzi.co.za for monthly fuel updates and compare local station prices to stay ahead.
Stay informed about South Africa’s fuel prices and their impact on your budget by watching this website for updates at saffarazzi.co.za.