If you’ve been keeping an eye on the pump lately, brace yourself—early August could bring a bit of a mixed bag.
While some motorists will breathe a sigh of relief, others might need to dig a little deeper into their wallets.
That’s the outlook based on the latest fuel projections shared by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).
Good News for Petrol Users
Let’s start with the brighter side: petrol prices are expected to drop in the first week of August—though the drop isn’t massive, it’s still a win for motorists. If market trends hold steady:
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Petrol 93 may come down by 28 cents per litre
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Petrol 95 could see a 24 cents per litre decrease
So, if you’re filling up with petrol, there’s a bit of breathing room on the way.
Diesel Drivers May Feel the Pinch
Unfortunately, it’s not the same story for diesel users. The forecast shows a price hike in the works:
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Diesel 0.05% sulphur could go up by 66 cents per litre
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Diesel 0.005% sulphur might rise by 65 cents per litre
That’s a noticeable increase, and it could impact everything from transport companies to everyday drivers.
Paraffin Prices Also on the Rise
If you rely on illuminating paraffin, you’re not in the clear either.
The price is expected to climb by 30 cents per litre in August, which could hit households hard—especially those that use paraffin for cooking or heating.
What’s Driving the Changes?
Fuel prices in South Africa are largely shaped by two key factors:
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The global price of petroleum products, particularly Brent crude oil
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The rand/dollar exchange rate, which affects how much we pay to import oil
At the time these predictions were made:
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Brent crude was trading at $68.85 per barrel
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The rand was sitting at R17.64 to the dollar
Since both of these values can shift quickly, there’s still a bit of uncertainty in the air.
When Will We Know for Sure?
The final petrol and diesel prices for August will be confirmed in the first few days of next month, and they’ll officially kick in at midnight on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.
Until then, fuel users can only wait and hope the market shifts in their favour.
A Look at Current Prices in July
Here’s a reminder of what we’re currently paying at the pumps:
Inland Prices (July 2025):
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Petrol 93: R21.79
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Petrol 95: R21.87
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Diesel 0.05%: R19.35
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Diesel 0.005%: R19.41
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Illuminating Paraffin: R13.16
Coastal Prices (July 2025):
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Petrol 93: R21.00
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Petrol 95: R21.04
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Diesel 0.05%: R18.52
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Diesel 0.005%: R18.65
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Illuminating Paraffin: R12.14
What Does It All Mean for You?
With price changes just around the corner, now’s a good time to track how much you’re spending on fuel each month.
If you’re feeling the squeeze, consider adjusting your driving habits, combining errands, or even carpooling where you can.