Official figures — October 2026. These are the confirmed prices published by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), effective Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Petrol 93 rose 312 c/l, petrol 95 rose 333 c/l, diesel 500ppm rose 284 c/l, diesel 50ppm rose 324 c/l and illuminating paraffin rose 358 c/l. The previous official prices took effect on 2 September 2026.
Petrol 95 costs more than Petrol 93 because it costs more to buy on international markets. From 7 October 2026 the gap is 37 cents per litre: R30.25 against R29.88 in Gauteng.
Why 95 Petrol Is More Expensive Than 93: current price
| Grade | Inland (Gauteng) | Coastal | Change on 7 October 2026 |
| Petrol 95 | R30.25 | R29.38 | Up R3.33 |
| Petrol 93 | R29.88 | R29.01 | Up R3.12 |
| Difference | 37 c/l | 37 c/l | 21 c/l |
93 vs 95 petrol explained
The numbers are octane ratings. Higher-octane petrol resists engine knock better and is more expensive to refine. In the price formula the two grades carry exactly the same levies, margins and transport cost; the whole difference is in the basic fuel price, 1,743.51 c/l for 95 and 1,706.51 c/l for 93.
| Component (cents per litre) | Petrol 95 | Petrol 93 |
| Basic fuel price | 1743.51 | 1706.51 |
| General fuel levy | 429 | 429 |
| Road Accident Fund levy | 225 | 225 |
| Retail margin | 320 | 320 |
| Wholesale margin | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Zone differential (transport to Gauteng) | 91.1 | 91.1 |
| Slate levy | 87.66 | 87.66 |
| Secondary storage | 39 | 39 |
| Secondary distribution | 19.1 | 19.1 |
| Customs and excise duty | 4 | 4 |
| Petroleum products levy | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Pump rounding | -0.2 | -0.2 |
| Price (c/l) | 3,025.00 | 2,988.00 |
Source: composition of the price in Gauteng for 7 October to 3 November 2026, from the media statement released by the Central Energy Fund on behalf of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources on 2 October 2026.
Monthly increase or decrease context
The gap is not fixed. The difference between the two basic fuel prices is adjusted at the start of each quarter. Until September 2026 it was 16 c/l; the October review widened it to 37 c/l, which is why 95 rose by 21 cents more than 93 this month.
Inland vs coastal grade pricing
The gap between the grades is the same in every zone, because transport costs are identical for both.
Which petrol grade should you use?
Use the grade your vehicle manual specifies. If the manual allows 93, the saving at current prices is R18.50 on a 50-litre tank.
Related prices, forecasts and tools
- Petrol price today
- Fuel price breakdown
- Basic fuel price
- Why fuel prices change every month
- Petrol price prediction
- Fuel cost calculator
- Petrol grades South Africa
Frequently asked questions
How much more does 95 cost than 93?
37 cents per litre from 7 October 2026.
Why did the gap change in October 2026?
The quarterly review of the octane differential in the basic fuel price widened it from 16 to 37 c/l.
Is the tax higher on 95?
No. Levies are identical on both grades.