South Africa’s petrol price decreases by 52 c/l for both 93 and 95 petrol, effective Wednesday, 5 August 2026. Inland motorists will pay R25.42 per litre for 93 petrol and R25.58 for 95 petrol, while coastal pump prices drop to R24.63 and R24.71 respectively, bringing welcome relief driven by lower international oil prices and a reduced slate levy.
Petrol Price August 2026: Official Update
August petrol-price change at a glance
- Petrol 93: 52 c/l decrease
- Petrol 95: 52 c/l decrease
- Effective date: Wednesday, 5 August 2026
- Status: Official adjustment confirmed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR)
When the August prices take effect
The official fuel price adjustments come into operation on the first Wednesday of the month. Motorists and transport operators will benefit from the lower pump rates starting from the beginning of the business day on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
August 2026 Petrol Prices in South Africa
The table below outlines the official Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources pricing schedule for August 2026, comparing current rates against the previous month across inland and coastal zones.
| Product | July Price | August Price | Monthly Change |
| Inland Petrol 93 | R25.94 | R25.42 | -52 c/l |
| Inland Petrol 95 | R26.10 | R25.58 | -52 c/l |
| Coastal Petrol 93 | R25.15 | R24.63 | -52 c/l |
| Coastal Petrol 95 | R25.23 | R24.71 | -52 c/l |
What the August Adjustment Means for Motorists
The uniform 52 c/l decrease across both 93 and 95 grades provides tangible relief for household budgets and commercial commuters after months of volatile fuel costs. Based on the confirmed reduction, filling up your vehicle results in the following estimated savings:
- 40-litre fill: Approximately R20.80 less
- 50-litre fill: Approximately R26.00 less
- 60-litre fill: Approximately R31.20 less
Note: Actual savings depend on the total litres purchased, your specific vehicle fuel grade, and your geographic pricing zone.
Primary CTA: Calculate how the August petrol-price change affects your fuel costs.
Other Fuel-Price Changes in August 2026
While petrol vehicle owners experience much-needed relief, consumers relying on diesel and other petroleum products face contrasting price movements:
- Diesel 0.05% sulphur (wholesale): 138.44 c/l increase (Inland wholesale reaches R26.17/l; Coastal reaches R25.30/l)
- Diesel 0.005% sulphur (wholesale): 123.44 c/l increase (Inland wholesale reaches R26.70/l; Coastal reaches R25.64/l)
- Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): 152.00 c/l increase
- Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin: 203.00 c/l increase
- LPGas: Regional maximum retail-price decreases apply (including a 441 c/kg decrease countrywide and a 503 c/kg decrease in the Western Cape)
Diesel pump prices may vary by service station since diesel is a deregulated retail product, unlike petrol. For comprehensive tracking of diesel adjustments, consult our dedicated fuel guides.
Why Petrol Prices Decreased in August
The official August price reduction was shaped by a combination of global commodity movements, currency fluctuations, and localized regulatory adjustments:
Crude-oil prices
The average international Brent crude oil price decreased from US$86.53 to US$82.37 per barrel during the review period. Although intermittent geopolitical tensions threatened temporary spikes, overall monthly averages trended lower.
International petrol-product prices
Global refined petrol-product prices decreased during the review cycle. In contrast, international diesel and illuminating-paraffin product prices moved higher due to regional supply constraints and export restrictions, resulting in a divergence between petrol and diesel trends.
Rand–US dollar exchange rate
The South African rand weakened slightly against the US dollar on average, shifting from R16.34 to R16.46 per US dollar during the review window. This currency movement added approximately 6.37 c/l upward pressure to petrol’s Basic Fuel Price calculation.
Slate levy adjustment
A major driver behind the petrol price cut was the reduction of the slate levy, which dropped from 113.94 c/l (R1.14) to 61.38 c/l. This 52.56 c/l reduction in the slate levy acted as a critical cushion, successfully absorbing other upward pressures to secure the net decrease.
Inland vs Coastal Petrol Prices
South African fuel pricing accounts for transport logistics and secondary distribution costs:
- Inland prices are higher because fuel must be transported inland from coastal ports (predominantly Durban).
- Coastal prices remain lower due to the absence of long-distance inland transport surcharges.
While the national 52 c/l reduction applies universally, the absolute Rand-per-litre rate differs depending on your province or municipality.
July to August 2026 Price Comparison
To provide a clear historical perspective on this month’s adjustment, the table below highlights the transition from July to August 2026:
| Fuel Grade & Zone | July Price | August Price | Difference (c/l) | 50-Litre Tank Saving |
| Inland Petrol 93 | R25.94 | R25.42 | -52 c/l | R26.00 |
| Inland Petrol 95 | R26.10 | R25.58 | -52 c/l | R26.00 |
| Coastal Petrol 93 | R25.15 | R24.63 | -52 c/l | R26.00 |
| Coastal Petrol 95 | R25.23 | R24.71 | -52 c/l | R26.00 |
For historical context on previous monthly adjustments, review our comprehensive fuel price updates archive.
Methodology and Source Note
South African fuel prices are adjusted on the first Wednesday of every month by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. These adjustments are calculated based on international crude oil pricing, refined product market movements, the rand-to-US-dollar exchange rate, and domestic elements such as the slate levy and transport tariffs.
- Official Adjustment: Confirmed decrease
- Effective Date: 5 August 2026
- Data Source: Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) official release
- Last Updated: August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the petrol price increase or decrease in August 2026?
Both 93 and 95 petrol decreased by 52 c/l starting on 5 August 2026.
When does the August petrol price take effect?
The new prices officially took effect at midnight, reflecting at pumps from Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
Is the petrol price the same inland and at the coast?
No. Although the 52 c/l decrease applies nationwide, final pump prices differ because inland zones incorporate transport and distribution costs that coastal areas do not.
How much will I save on a 50-litre tank?
A 52 c/l reduction translates to an estimated saving of R26.00 when filling a 50-litre tank of petrol.