South Africa
September Fuel Price Increase: What a Full Tank Could Cost You
South African motorists could face another significant increase at the pumps in September, with the latest fuel-price data pointing to petrol rising by as much as 94 cents a litre and diesel by more than R3 a litre.
The latest Central Energy Fund (CEF) data available at the end of the third week of August shows the expected increases have worsened again after easing earlier in the month.
If the latest projections hold until the end of the fuel-price review period, a motorist filling a 50-litre tank with 95 petrol could pay around R47 more per fill-up.
For some diesel motorists, the increase could add more than R150 to a 50-litre fill.
Latest September fuel price projections
According to the latest CEF data, the current under-recoveries point to increases of approximately:
- Petrol 93: 83 cents per litre
- Petrol 95: 94 cents per litre
- Diesel 500ppm: R2.87 per litre
- Diesel 50ppm: R3.07 per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: R2.24 per litre
These figures are not yet the official September fuel-price adjustments and could still change before the final announcement.
What could 95 petrol cost in September?
The official August inland price of 95 petrol is R25.58 per litre.
If the latest projected increase of 94 cents is applied, the price would rise to approximately R26.52 per litre.
Here is what that would mean when filling up:
| Tank size | August cost | Projected September cost | Extra per fill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 litres | R1,023.20 | R1,060.80 | R37.60 |
| 50 litres | R1,279.00 | R1,326.00 | R47.00 |
| 60 litres | R1,534.80 | R1,591.20 | R56.40 |
| 80 litres | R2,046.40 | R2,121.60 | R75.20 |
For a motorist who fills a 50-litre tank four times during the month, a 94-cent increase would amount to around R188 extra in fuel costs.
The current inland price of 93 petrol is R25.42 per litre. An 83-cent increase would take it to approximately R26.25 per litre.
Diesel motorists face a much bigger increase
The diesel outlook is considerably worse.
The latest CEF data points to a possible R3.07 per litre increase for 50ppm diesel.
Based purely on the size of that projected increase, motorists would pay approximately:
- R122.80 more for 40 litres
- R153.50 more for 50 litres
- R184.20 more for 60 litres
- R245.60 more for 80 litres
The current inland wholesale price of 50ppm diesel is R26.90 per litre. Adding the latest projected R3.07 increase would take the wholesale price to approximately R29.97 per litre.
Diesel prices at filling stations can differ because the government regulates the wholesale rather than the retail pump price.
Why are petrol and diesel prices rising?
International oil prices are placing significant pressure on South Africa’s fuel-price calculation.
According to the latest analysis, higher international petroleum prices are responsible for most of the current under-recovery, while a stronger rand has helped offset part of the increase.
The rand was trading at around R16.05 to the US dollar when the latest figures were reported, providing some relief against the impact of elevated international oil prices.
However, that currency benefit has so far not been enough to prevent a projected September increase.
September prices are not final yet
Motorists should note that the CEF figures are a snapshot of current market conditions and not the final price announcement.
Oil prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate can still move before the monthly calculation is completed.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will confirm the official September fuel prices closer to the adjustment.
For now, however, the latest figures suggest motorists should prepare for a substantial increase, particularly those driving diesel vehicles.
If the current projection holds, filling a 50-litre petrol tank could cost around R47 more, while the equivalent amount of 50ppm diesel could cost more than R150 extra.
