Official figures — September 2026. These are the confirmed prices published by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), effective Wednesday, 2 September 2026. Petrol 93 and 95 both rose 134 c/l, diesel 500ppm rose 294 c/l, diesel 50ppm rose 315 c/l and illuminating paraffin rose 213 c/l. The previous official prices took effect on 5 August 2026.
Quick Answer: The South African fuel price table outlines official monthly retail prices for petrol, wholesale prices for diesel, and illuminating paraffin across Inland (Gauteng and interior provinces) and Coastal regions. Regulated by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), fuel prices are adjusted at midnight on the first Wednesday of every month. Prices are primarily influenced by international crude oil costs (Brent crude), the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate, transport pipeline tariffs, and government levies such as the General Fuel Levy and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy.
Current South Africa Fuel Price Overview
Fuel prices in South Africa are split into two main pricing zones: Inland (covering Gauteng, Free State, North West, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo) and Coastal (covering the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal). Coastal prices are lower because imported and refined fuel does not incur inland transport costs via pipeline or rail.
Current Official Fuel Price Table
| Fuel Type | Inland Region | Coastal Region | Price Variance (Inland vs. Coastal) |
| 95 Unleaded Petrol (ULP) | R26.92 / litre | R26.05 / litre | +87c inland |
| 93 Unleaded Petrol (ULP) | R26.76 / litre | R25.97 / litre | +79c inland |
| Diesel 50ppm (0.005% Sulphur) | R29.56 / litre | R28.68 / litre | +87c inland (Wholesale Base) |
| Diesel 500ppm (0.05% Sulphur) | R26.16 / litre | R25.29 / litre | +87c inland (Wholesale Base) |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R20.37 / litre | R19.35 / litre | +R1.02 inland |
Note: Petrol prices are capped retail prices, while diesel prices represent wholesale base estimates. Retail filling stations may discount or mark up diesel according to their own commercial margins.
How South African Fuel Prices Are Calculated
The final pump price paid by South African motorists consists of two primary pillars: the Basic Fuel Price (BFP) and Domestic Levies & Margins.
Final Pump Price = Basic Fuel Price (International Oil + Exchange Rate) + Taxes & Levies + Wholesale & Retail Margins + Distribution Costs
1. Basic Fuel Price (BFP)
The Basic Fuel Price accounts for roughly 45% to 55% of the total cost per litre. It represents what it would cost a South African company to import refined petroleum products from international refineries.
The BFP fluctuates daily based on two critical global variables:
- International Crude Oil Prices: Measured via Brent Crude benchmarks and refined product spot prices in international trade hubs (like Mediterranean and Singapore markets).
- The USD/ZAR Exchange Rate: Because international oil products are priced in US Dollars, a weaker Rand increases import costs, while a stronger Rand buffers pump prices.
2. Taxes, Levies, and Fixed Margins
Domestic taxes and regulated margins make up approximately 35% to 45% of the total price per litre. Key components include:
- General Fuel Levy (GFL): A direct tax collected for the National Revenue Fund to finance general government spending.
- Road Accident Fund (RAF) Levy: A ring-fenced levy used to compensate third-party victims of motor vehicle accidents on South African roads.
- Slate Levy: A self-adjusting mechanism used by the government to absorb cumulative over- or under-recoveries caused by daily market fluctuations.
- Customs and Excise Duty: Standard statutory duty applied to fuel products.
- Retail & Wholesale Margins: Regulated profit allowances granted to fuel retailers (filling station operators) and wholesalers to cover overheads, wages, and operational maintenance.
- Zone Differential (Transport Costs): The tariff charged to move fuel from coastal port terminals to inland storage depots via the Transnet pipeline network and road tankers.
Understanding Fuel Types: Petrol, Diesel, and Octane Grades
Choosing the correct fuel grade for your vehicle is crucial for engine efficiency, longevity, and fuel economy.
93 Octane vs. 95 Octane Petrol
- 93 Octane (ULP): Exclusively available in inland regions. At higher altitudes (above 1,200 metres above sea level), reduced atmospheric pressure decreases engine knock risk, making 93 octane safe and cost-effective for most naturally aspirated engines.
- 95 Octane (ULP): Available both inland and along the coast. It is mandatory in coastal areas due to higher air density and recommended for high-performance, turbocharged, or modern high-compression engines nationwide.
Diesel 50ppm vs. Diesel 500ppm
- 50ppm (0.005% Sulphur): Ultra-low sulphur diesel engineered for modern diesel engines fitted with advanced exhaust filters (DPFs). It produces fewer emissions, prevents injector fouling, and prolongs engine life.
- 500ppm (0.05% Sulphur): High-sulphur diesel suitable for older commercial vehicles, heavy agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery where lower fuel cost is prioritized over modern emission compliance.
How to Estimate Your Monthly Fuel Cost
To calculate your total fill-up cost or monthly commuting budget, use these straightforward formulas:
- Single Fill-Up Cost:
$$\text{Total Cost} = \text{Tank Capacity (Litres)} \times \text{Price per Litre}$$Example: Filling a 50-litre tank with 95 ULP Inland (R26.92/L) costs R1,279.00. - Trip Cost:
$$\text{Fuel Needed (L)} = \left(\frac{\text{Distance in km}}{100}\right) \times \text{Vehicle Consumption (L/100km)}$$$$\text{Trip Cost} = \text{Fuel Needed (L)} \times \text{Price per Litre}$$Example: Driving 400 km in a car consuming 7.5 L/100km requires 30 Litres. At R26.92/L, the trip costs R767.40.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often do fuel prices change in South Africa?
Fuel prices in South Africa are adjusted officially once per month, taking effect at 00:01 on the first Wednesday of every calendar month. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) calculates adjustments based on monthly average exchange rates and international petroleum product prices.
2. Why is petrol cheaper at the coast than inland?
Inland areas (such as Gauteng, Free State, and Mpumalanga) incur extra transportation costs to move fuel from coastal ports and refineries via pipeline, rail, or road transport. This additional cost is added to the inland price as a “Zone Differential,” making coastal fuel cheaper per litre.
3. What is the difference between 93 ULP and 95 ULP petrol?
The number refers to the octane rating, which measures fuel resistance to premature detonation (engine knock). 95 octane has higher anti-knock resistance, required by high-compression or turbocharged engines. 93 octane is suitable for standard naturally aspirated engines operating at high altitudes inland. 93 ULP is not sold in coastal regions.
4. Why do diesel prices vary between service stations while petrol prices are fixed?
In South Africa, petrol prices are strictly regulated at the retail level by the government, meaning every filling station in a specific zone charges the exact same price per litre for petrol. Diesel, however, is regulated only at the wholesale level. Service stations are free to set their own retail margins, resulting in price variations between different fuel brands and locations.
5. What is the Slate Levy on South African fuel?
The Slate Levy is a temporary charge applied to fuel prices when the cumulative “Slate Account” shows a deficit. Because daily market prices fluctuate while retail pump prices change only once a month, under-recoveries occur when importing fuel costs more than predicted. The Slate Levy helps the government recover these accumulated funds.
6. What percentage of the petrol price goes toward government taxes?
Taxes and levies—primarily the General Fuel Levy (GFL) and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy—typically account for between 30% and 40% of the total price per litre at the pump, depending on fluctuating international crude oil prices.