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.

Unleaded 95 Petrol Price in South Africa

Quick Answer: Current 95 Unleaded Petrol Price

The official retail price for 95 Unleaded Petrol (ULP 95) in South Africa is updated on the first Wednesday of every month by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).

Pricing Zone	Current Price per Litre	Regional Notes
Inland (Gauteng & Surrounding)	R26.92	Includes inland transport & pipeline tariffs
Coastal (Cape Town, Durban, PE)	R26.05	Cheaper due to proximity to coastal ports

Overview of 95 Unleaded Petrol in South Africa

Unleaded 95 petrol (95 Octane) is the primary premium fuel grade available across South Africa. Unlike 93 Octane, which is only sold in inland regions, 95 Octane unleaded fuel is available at petrol stations across both coastal and inland provinces.

It is designed to meet the demands of modern internal combustion engines, particularly vehicles with turbochargers, superchargers, or high engine compression ratios.

Current 95 Unleaded Fuel Price Breakdown

The price motorists pay at the pump for 95 Unleaded petrol consists of several fixed and dynamic components. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy regulates the retail price of petrol, meaning all fuel stations in a given pricing zone charge the exact same official rate per litre.

Major Drivers of the 95 Petrol Price

1. Basic Fuel Price (BFP): The cost of importing refined petrol into South Africa. BFP is driven by global crude oil prices (Brent Crude) and the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate.
2. General Fuel Levy (GFL): A direct tax collected by National Treasury on every litre of petrol sold.
3. Road Accident Fund (RAF) Levy: A ring-fenced levy used to fund third-party compensation for motor vehicle accident victims.
4. Wholesale & Retail Margins: Regulated profit margins allowed for oil companies, logistics providers, and service station operators.
5. Transport & Zone Differential: The cost of transporting petrol via pipeline, rail, or road tanker from coastal import terminals to inland distribution depots.

Inland vs. Coastal 95 Petrol Prices: Why Is There a Difference?

Motorists inland pay 87 cents per litre more for 95 Unleaded petrol than drivers in coastal areas.

• Coastal Pricing (R26.05 / litre): Fuel refined locally at coastal refineries or imported via sea tanker arrives directly at ports in Durban, Cape Town, and Gqeberha. Transport distance to regional filling stations is minimal.
• Inland Pricing (R26.92 / litre): Fuel must be transported hundreds of kilometers inland to Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, Limpopo, and North West via Transnet pipelines and road tankers. The transport tariff is added directly to the inland pump price.

95 Octane vs 93 Octane Petrol: Which Should You Buy?

Understanding whether your car needs 95 or 93 Octane petrol helps optimize fuel efficiency and prevent long-term engine damage.

Feature	95 Octane Petrol	93 Octane Petrol
Availability	Nationwide (Inland & Coastal)	Inland regions only
Engine Suitability	Turbocharged, high-compression & modern engines	Older or naturally aspirated engines at altitude
Knock Resistance	High resistance to engine knocking / detonation	Standard resistance to engine knocking
Price	Slightly higher per litre	Slightly lower per litre

Rule of Thumb: Always consult your vehicle’s fuel cap or owner’s manual. If your manufacturer specifies 95 Octane, filling up with 93 Octane can trigger engine knocking (pre-ignition), reduce power output, and increase fuel consumption.

When Are Petrol Prices Updated in South Africa?

Petrol prices in South Africa are adjusted on the first Wednesday of every month at 00:01 AM.

The DMRE reviews the daily average Basic Fuel Price and Rand/Dollar exchange rates over the preceding monthly cycle to determine whether fuel prices will increase, decrease, or remain unchanged for the upcoming month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much is 95 Unleaded petrol per litre in South Africa right now?

The current regulated retail price for 95 Unleaded petrol is R26.92 per litre in inland regions (including Gauteng) and R26.05 per litre in coastal regions (including Cape Town and Durban).

2. Why is 95 Unleaded petrol cheaper at the coast than inland?

Coastal petrol is cheaper because imported refined fuel and locally refined petrol land directly at coastal ports. Transporting fuel to inland provinces via pipelines, rail, and road adds a transport zone tariff (currently 87c per litre) to the inland pump price.

3. Can I use 93 octane petrol instead of 95 octane?

You should only use 93 octane petrol if your vehicle’s manufacturer explicitly permits it. If your vehicle specifies 95 octane (especially turbocharged or performance cars), using 93 octane can cause premature fuel detonation (engine knocking), reduced efficiency, and potential mechanical damage.

4. How often does the official 95 petrol price change?

The petrol price is regulated by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and changes on the first Wednesday of every calendar month, based on global crude oil prices and the Rand/USD exchange rate.

5. Why is 93 Octane petrol not available at coastal filling stations?

At sea level, higher atmospheric pressure increases the density of air in the combustion chamber, requiring at least 95 octane fuel to prevent knocking. Inland areas sit at higher altitudes with lower air density, allowing naturally aspirated engines to run safely on 93 octane petrol.

6. Do all fuel stations charge the exact same price for 95 Unleaded petrol?

Yes. Unlike diesel (which is unregulated at the retail level), the retail price of petrol (both 95 and 93 grade) is strictly regulated by law in South Africa. Every service station within a designated zone charges the exact same retail pump price per litre.