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HomeEconomyConsumerAugust fuel prices: Petrol may drop while diesel nears R20 per litre

August fuel prices: Petrol may drop while diesel nears R20 per litre

With predictions showing a 65c diesel hike looming for August 2025, South Africans are asking if we’re heading back to the R20/litre mark. The DMRE’s official call lands next week — but early signs aren’t good.

August fuel price predictions: Diesel pain, petrol relief — for now

With just days to go before the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announces official August fuel prices, South Africans are bracing for a major diesel hike — one that could push prices close to R20 per litre again.

According to the Central Energy Fund (CEF), as of 25 July, diesel is expected to climb by up to 65c per litre, while petrol could see a moderate price drop.

The official price adjustment will be confirmed early next week, ahead of the scheduled Wednesday, August 6, 2025 changes.


Diesel shock incoming

If the CEF’s prediction holds, diesel drivers will face one of the sharpest increases of the year. This comes on top of the 84c hike earlier in July, making diesel R1.47 more expensive per litre than it was in June. Filling an 80-litre bakkie tank could cost R117 more compared to two months ago.

The spike is driven by global diesel shortages, refinery outages in Europe, and the lowest U.S. diesel stockpiles since 1996. Seasonal demand in the northern hemisphere is also adding pressure.

Predicted price sdjustments for August 2025:

  • Petrol 93: –34c/l
  • Petrol 95: –30c/l
  • Diesel 0.05%: +65c/l
  • Diesel 0.005%: +63c/l
  • Illuminating Paraffin: +30c/l

Petrol drivers catch a break

In contrast, petrol drivers may get a small reprieve, with prices predicted to drop by around 30 cents per litre.
This relief is thanks to a slight dip in global oil prices and a steady rand/dollar exchange rate.

However, petrol prices remain higher than their low point in June 2025, meaning South Africans won’t feel much real relief at the pumps.


Why these predictions matter

Fuel prices are a key driver of consumer inflation, particularly with diesel powering industries like agriculture, which enters harvesting season in September.

As seen in July’s hikes, the knock-on effects can be severe — from food prices to transport costs.


What happens next?

The DMRE will issue its final fuel price announcement within a week. While these CEF predictions are not set in stone, it’s unlikely diesel will see any relief before then.

If you’ve been tracking past trends — May, June, and July — you’ll know the pattern: petrol gives a little, diesel takes a lot.

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