Fuel prices fall marginally in South Africa while new budget levy takes a bigger bite out of motorists’ wallets
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Fuel prices fall marginally in South Africa while new budget levy takes a bigger bite out of motorists’ wallets

If you’re planning your budget for the month ahead, here’s some news about fuel prices that might make a slight difference at the pump.

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced that fuel prices will drop a little starting this week, but don’t expect a big change.

The decrease is quite modest, partly because it’s been balanced out by a recent increase in fuel taxes.

How the New Fuel Levy Affects Prices

Earlier this year, the government raised the general fuel levy in the budget — meaning diesel will be taxed 15 cents more per litre, and petrol 16 cents more per litre.

This tax hike effectively offsets much of the price drop that would have otherwise been passed on to consumers.

So, while prices are technically going down for June, the gains at the pump are only small.

What You Can Expect at the Pumps Starting June 3rd

Here’s a quick rundown of the official price changes you’ll see from midnight on Tuesday, 3 June 2025:

  • 93 octane petrol will be 5 cents cheaper per litre

  • 95 octane petrol will also drop by 5 cents per litre

  • Diesel, in its two main wholesale grades (0.05% and 0.005% sulphur content), will see a bigger drop of 37 cents per litre

Keep in mind these figures factor in the new fuel levy, so the price changes reflect the overall cost to drivers after taxes.

Comparing May and June Fuel Prices Across Regions

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how prices are shifting in inland and coastal areas:

Inland Prices

  • 93 petrol: from R21.29 to R21.24 per litre

  • 95 petrol: from R21.40 to R21.35 per litre

  • Diesel 0.05% wholesale: from R18.90 to R18.53 per litre

  • Diesel 0.005% wholesale: from R18.94 to R18.57 per litre

  • Illuminating paraffin: from R13.05 to R12.49 per litre

  • LPG (per kg): from R38.23 to R37.34

Coastal Prices

  • 93 petrol: from R20.50 to R20.45 per litre

  • 95 petrol: from R20.57 to R20.52 per litre

  • Diesel 0.05% wholesale: from R18.07 to R17.70 per litre

  • Diesel 0.005% wholesale: from R18.18 to R17.81 per litre

  • Illuminating paraffin: from R12.03 to R11.47 per litre

  • LPG (per kg): from R35.07 to R34.18

How Are You Feeling About Fuel Costs This Month?

Every cent counts when it comes to filling up the tank, especially with fluctuating fuel taxes and prices.

How much do you usually spend on fuel each month? Are these small changes going to affect your budget or travel plans? It’s always good to keep an eye on these shifts so you can plan accordingly.