Official price drops confirmed
South African motorists can expect relief at the pumps this week as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed another decrease in fuel prices.
This marks the third consecutive monthly drop, following significant cuts in March and April — all thanks to favourable shifts in global oil markets and reduced demand pressures.
The adjustments, effective from midnight on Tuesday, May 6, are as follows:
- Petrol 93: ↓ 22 cents/litre
- Petrol 95: ↓ 22 cents/litre
- Diesel 0.05% (500ppm): ↓ 42 cents/litre
- Diesel 0.005% (50ppm): ↓ 41 cents/litre
What you’ll pay at the pumps from Tuesday
From Tuesday, May 6, inland motorists will now pay:
R21.29 per litre for 93 Unleaded
R21.40 per litre for 95 Unleaded
At the coast, 95 Unleaded drops to R20.60 per litre.
These price cuts translate into real savings:
Around R6.60 on a 30-litre refuel
R11 on a 50-litre tank
Up to R28.70 for diesel users filling a 70-litre bakkie or SUV
“A motorist filling a 50-litre tank of 95 unleaded petrol will now save approximately R11 per fill,”
— Lebo Ramolahloane, SAPRA Vice-Chairperson
Economic boost for consumers and key industries
According to Lebo Ramolahloane, national vice-chairperson of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), the fuel price cuts come at a crucial time.
“In a fragile economy such as ours, this is a welcome development that could ease inflationary pressures and provide a short-term boost in consumer spending power.”
Diesel users — especially in agriculture, logistics, and public transport — stand to gain the most. With diesel savings exceeding R20 per tank, lower input costs could help sustain food security and job retention in vital sectors.
“These lower input costs can support food security and job retention in fuel-intensive sectors.”
Petroleum retailers may also see an uptick in revenue:
“The increased volumes at service stations… are likely to provide a boost in revenue, particularly as retail margins remain stable.”
Why prices are falling: global market forces at play
Ramolahloane explained that the latest declines are driven by geopolitical tensions between the United States and China.
“The recent escalation in trade tensions between the United States and China has influenced the global oil market, as the re-imposition of tariffs by the US has disrupted oil demand, especially from China.”
As China cut oil imports, Brent crude prices dropped from around $74 to $64 per barrel in April.
“While we welcome the current decline in prices, we must remain cautiously optimistic,” said Ramolahloane.“Global market volatility and local political uncertainty under the newly formed Government of National Unity require close monitoring.”
Looking ahead: uncertainty remains despite relief
The Central Energy Fund (CEF) noted that the weaker rand in April limited the drop — petrol could have decreased by up to 50 cents, and diesel by as much as 70 cents, had the currency remained stable.
Despite the three-month decline streak, fuel prices remain higher than in January 2025, leaving consumers and industries still feeling the pinch.
With President Cyril Ramaphosa-led Government of National Unity settling into place and international tensions ongoing, the outlook for future fuel price adjustments remains uncertain.
For now, however, motorists can enjoy welcome savings at the pump from Tuesday, May 6.
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Stay tuned for more updates on fuel prices, inflation, and how global shifts continue to impact your daily commute.
