Per-Litre Fuel Rates – South Africans are waking up to another fuel price hike as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has officially confirmed the adjusted per-litre petrol and diesel prices effective from August 2, 2025. The latest hike has sent ripples through households and transport sectors, with many concerned about how this will impact daily expenses, public transport, and even food prices. If you’re planning to fill up your tank anytime soon, it’s crucial to understand the new prices and how they differ across provinces. The increase comes amid rising global oil prices, a weaker rand-to-dollar exchange rate, and increasing transport and regulatory levies. The fuel price structure in South Africa is complex and includes elements like the Basic Fuel Price (BFP), wholesale margins, fuel levies, and retail margins. August’s announcement is seen as particularly severe because it affects not only 95 and 93 unleaded petrol but also diesel and illuminating paraffin used by rural households. Motorists are advised to plan their fuel usage carefully and look for ways to reduce fuel consumption where possible. With the cost of living already straining household budgets, even a small change in petrol pricing can have broader economic implications. Whether you drive to work, use a minibus taxi, or rely on logistics for your business, this increase is likely to affect your bottom line. Below is a detailed look at the August 2 petrol price changes, region-wise breakdowns, diesel costs, and useful tips to navigate this fuel hike effectively.
August 2025 Fuel Price Adjustments Announced by DMRE
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has released the official per-litre rates across all fuel types for August 2025.
- Petrol (Unleaded 95) increased by R1.21/litre
- Petrol (Unleaded 93) increased by R1.12/litre
- Diesel (0.05% sulphur) increased by R1.35/litre
- Diesel (0.005% sulphur) increased by R1.40/litre
- Illuminating paraffin increased by R0.89/litre
- LPG gas prices increased slightly due to global supply issues
August 2 Fuel Prices by Major Cities
Here is a city-wise breakdown of the new per-litre rates effective from midnight on August 2:
| City/Province | Unleaded 95 | Unleaded 93 | Diesel 0.05% | Diesel 0.005% | Paraffin | LPG Gas (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | R25.86 | R25.34 | R23.99 | R24.12 | R17.45 | R40.10 |
| Cape Town | R25.52 | R25.01 | R23.78 | R23.95 | R17.21 | R39.80 |
| Durban | R25.93 | R25.39 | R24.12 | R24.25 | R17.65 | R40.25 |
| Bloemfontein | R25.79 | R25.26 | R23.88 | R24.04 | R17.48 | R39.95 |
| Port Elizabeth | R25.64 | R25.15 | R23.80 | R23.96 | R17.29 | R39.90 |
| Polokwane | R25.91 | R25.39 | R24.03 | R24.15 | R17.58 | R40.05 |
| East London | R25.55 | R25.03 | R23.74 | R23.91 | R17.20 | R39.75 |
| Kimberley | R25.82 | R25.30 | R23.91 | R24.07 | R17.50 | R39.85 |
What’s Causing This Sudden Petrol Price Increase?
Several economic and global factors have led to the sharp rise in fuel prices this month.
- Brent Crude Oil price rose above $90 per barrel in late July.
- The Rand weakened against the US Dollar, averaging R18.97/USD.
- Middle East tensions disrupted global oil supply chains.
- Higher import and shipping costs due to Red Sea instability.
- Annual adjustment in fuel levies and road accident fund contribution.
Breakdown of Factors Contributing to Fuel Prices
| Component | July 2025 | August 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Fuel Price (BFP) | R11.20 | R12.45 | +R1.25 |
| Fuel Levy | R3.85 | R3.85 | No Change |
| Road Accident Fund (RAF) | R2.18 | R2.35 | +R0.17 |
| Wholesale/Transport Margins | R1.74 | R1.84 | +R0.10 |
| Retail Margin | R2.40 | R2.50 | +R0.10 |
How the Fuel Hike Affects Your Pocket in August
The August price hike isn’t just about paying more at the pump—it has ripple effects across daily life.
- Minibus taxi fares expected to rise by 5–10%.
- Grocery transport and logistics costs will increase.
- Delivery services (Uber, Bolt) may apply fuel surcharges.
- Municipal transport (buses, school vans) likely to adjust fares.
- Increased cost of goods in rural areas using paraffin for cooking/heating.
Estimated Monthly Increase in Household Spending
| Household Type | Previous Monthly Fuel Cost | New Monthly Cost | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single motorist (urban) | R2,200 | R2,485 | R285 |
| Family with 2 cars | R4,400 | R4,970 | R570 |
| Rural paraffin users | R800 | R950 | R150 |
| Public transport users | R1,200 | R1,320 | R120 |
Tips to Save Fuel and Manage Travel Expenses
As prices climb, adopting smart driving habits and planning ahead can help stretch your budget.
- Carpool with co-workers or friends for daily commutes.
- Use public transport wherever possible to reduce fuel spend.
- Maintain tyre pressure and reduce heavy loads for better mileage.
- Avoid peak hour traffic and use fuel-efficient driving techniques.
- Switch to fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles if financially possible.
Recommended Apps to Track Fuel Consumption
These mobile tools help monitor your fuel spend and driving efficiency:
- Fuelio – Tracks mileage and cost over time.
- Waze – Real-time traffic and shortest routes.
- MyVehicles – Stores your fuel logs and maintenance history.
- Gautrain App – Calculate public transport cost alternatives.
Departmental Contact and Official Fuel Resources
If you have queries or need updates, reach out to these official channels for accurate fuel information.
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMRE Fuel Directorate | 012 406 7500 | petroleum.controller@dmre.gov.za | Price schedules and fuel queries |
| Central Energy Fund (CEF) | 011 403 8013 | info@cefgroup.co.za | Fuel price calculations |
| National Consumer Commission | 012 428 7000 | complaints@thencc.org.za | Fuel pump overcharge complaints |
| South African Petroleum Industry | 011 325 0205 | info@sapia.org.za | Fuel import and supply issues |
Additional Regional Offices of the DMRE
| Province | Office Contact | Regional Email |
|---|---|---|
| Western Cape | 021 941 1013 | wcape.dmre@energy.gov.za |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 031 335 9600 | kzn.dmre@energy.gov.za |
| Gauteng | 011 355 8700 | gauteng.energy@dmre.gov.za |
August Petrol Hike Summary: What You Must Remember
Whether you’re driving long distances or simply commuting to work, the August 2 fuel hike affects almost everyone in South Africa. With petrol prices now close to R26/litre in some cities and diesel following closely, consumers must reassess travel habits, budgets, and long-term vehicle strategies. Government support remains limited in the short term, so households will need to rely on practical tools and informed choices to adapt.
FAQs of Per-Litre Fuel Rates
1. Why did the petrol price increase in August 2025?
Due to rising global oil prices, a weak Rand, and adjustments in levies and transport margins.
2. Which city has the highest petrol price now?
Durban currently records the highest Unleaded 95 price at R25.93/litre.
3. How much more will a typical commuter spend monthly?
Approximately R285 more for average urban motorists, depending o