The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMRE) has confirmed the official fuel price changes for August 2025, effective Wednesday, 6 August, bringing mixed fortunes for South African motorists.
While both grades of petrol (93 and 95) see a drop of 28 cents per litre, diesel users are set for a painful increase of up to 65 cents per litre, continuing a volatile mid-year trend following a significant hike in July.
“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased slightly from 69.36 USD to 69.06 USD during the period under review,” the department said. “The main contributing factor to the lower crude oil price is the decision by OPEC to increase production and the uncertainty caused by looming US trade tariffs.”
Fuel Price Breakdown – August 2025
| Fuel Type | Change |
|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | ↓ 28c/l |
| Petrol 95 | ↓ 28c/l |
| Diesel 0.05% | ↑ 65c/l |
| Diesel 0.005% | ↑ 63c/l |
| Illuminating Paraffin | ↑ 32c/l |
| LPGAS (national) | ↓ 69c/kg |
| LPGAS (Saldanha WC) | ↓ 78c/kg |
Petrol relief vs diesel distress: The market drivers
The August drop in petrol follows a similar softening trend seen in June and May, where pump relief gave hope to cash-strapped motorists. However, this marks the second consecutive diesel hike, after July’s sharp surge of up to 56c/l (read July update).
While international petrol prices declined, diesel costs rose steeply due to:
- Low diesel inventories in the US
- Unplanned refinery shutdowns
- EU refinery closures leading to tighter global supply
“Diesel has been especially vulnerable to global supply chain shocks,” said Minister Gwede Mantashe, reaffirming the trend during the press briefing.
August fuel prices – Inland vs Coastal
| Location | Petrol 93 | Petrol 95 | Diesel 0.005% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inland | R21.51 | R21.59 | R20.04 |
| Coastal | R20.72 | R20.76 | R19.28 |
Repo rate & budget influence
The repo rate cut to 7% (explained here) in early August may offer some economic breathing room, but it’s not enough to offset the diesel price surge, especially for freight, agriculture, and small business sectors. The upward diesel price trajectory is especially concerning given that it’s 60 cents higher than at the start of the year.
Furthermore, fuel cost pressures are now clashing with rising consumer expectations stemming from revised social grants in the 2025 budget.
Tracking the 2025 trend so far
- January–March: Mostly down (March drop)
- April: Stable cuts (April update)
- May–June: Petrol down, diesel up
- July: Significant hike
- August: Petrol drops, diesel climbs
What’s next? Keep an eye on upcoming US tariff decisions, refinery operations abroad, and the strengthening of the rand.
What notorists should do now
- Petrol users: Consider filling up early this month while prices remain favourable.
- Diesel users: Prepare for tighter margins—especially in logistics-heavy sectors.
- Businesses: Monitor transportation costs and adjust forecasts accordingly.
For continued coverage of SA’s economic pulse, petrol price analysis, and updates on your cost of living, visit NOWinSA – Stories Shaping South Africa Today.
