If you’ve been wondering what’s going on at the pumps this month, here’s the scoop: Petrol drivers are getting a little relief, but diesel users are feeling the pinch. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has officially announced the fuel price adjustments effective Wednesday, 6 August 2025.
Petrol Prices August 2025 – A welcome drop
Both ULP 93 and ULP 95 petrol will drop by 28 cents per litre.
- Coastal regions: Expect to pay around R20.80/l for 95 octane
- Inland regions (e.g. Gauteng): Around R21.59/l for 95 octane
Why the drop?
A combination of lower international oil prices and a slightly stronger rand has helped ease costs for petrol users.
Diesel Prices August 2025 – A sharp increase
Diesel users won’t be celebrating this month:
- 0.05% sulphur diesel: Up 65 cents per litre
- 0.005% sulphur diesel: Up 63 cents per litre
Why the increase?
Global diesel supply is tight due to refinery shutdowns in Europe and low inventory levels in the USA. This has pushed wholesale prices up, impacting South African costs.
Official August 2025 Fuel Price Changes
| Fuel Type | Change (c/l) | Avg. Coastal Price | Avg. Inland Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol ULP 93 & 95 | ↓ 28 | ~R20.80 | ~R21.59 |
| Diesel 0.05% | ↑ 65 | Varies | Varies |
| Diesel 0.005% | ↑ 63 | Varies | Varies |
What this means for South Africans
- Petrol motorists will feel slight relief, especially in urban commuting.
- Diesel users – including taxis, freight trucks, and farmers – face higher operating costs.
- Expect knock-on effects in food prices, public transport fares, and goods delivery.
This mix of lower petrol prices but higher diesel prices means households may see small short-term relief but still face inflationary pressure through the supply chain.
Tips to Save on Fuel This Month
- Plan your trips – combine errands to avoid unnecessary driving.
- Drive smoother – avoid heavy acceleration to improve fuel economy.
- Use petrol rewards programmes – BPme Rewards, Shell V+ or Engen’s loyalty programmes can help stretch your rands.
- Check tyre pressure – underinflated tyres increase fuel use.
Sources
- Minister Gwede Mantashe’s August 2025 Fuel Price Announcement – gov.za
- IOL – August Fuel Price Breakdown
- The Citizen – New Fuel Prices to Come into Effect
