Oil price surge and rand weakness push fuel costs up sharply across South Africa next week

If you’ve been enjoying slightly cheaper fuel lately, brace yourself—because that relief at the pumps is about to vanish.

With just days left before the start of July, signs are pointing to a steep increase in fuel prices across South Africa, and motorists are being warned to prepare for a pinch in their wallets.

Prices Had Dropped—But That Didn’t Last Long

Earlier this month, things were looking up for vehicle owners.

Both petrol and diesel prices had gone down, offering some breathing space for drivers struggling with the cost of living.

But global events threw a wrench into that short-lived relief.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated when Israel launched an attack on Iran.

That sent the price of Brent crude oil soaring, and the South African rand took a hit in response.

Combined, these factors have quickly flipped the script on fuel prices.

Ceasefire Brought Calm—But Not Soon Enough

Although a ceasefire has since been reached between Israel and Iran, it came too late to influence this month’s fuel projections.

The damage to global oil markets was already done, and the knock-on effect is heading straight for South African pumps next week.

Here’s What You Can Expect at the Pumps

The Central Energy Fund (CEF) has released updated projections for fuel price changes, effective from Wednesday, 25 June, and it’s not good news:

• Petrol 93: up by 52 cents per litre

• Petrol 95: up by 55 cents per litre

• Diesel 0.05%: up by 82 cents per litre

• Diesel 0.005%: up by 84 cents per litre

• Illuminating paraffin: up by 68 cents per litre

Unless we see an unexpected turnaround in the markets—something quite unlikely with how the oil price and exchange rate are behaving—these increases will go ahead.

What’s Driving the Spike?

Two major global factors are responsible for the price hikes:

1. The price of crude oil: This is driven by global supply and demand, and right now, geopolitical tensions are causing major instability.

2. The rand/dollar exchange rate: Since oil is traded in dollars, any weakness in the rand makes fuel more expensive to import.

Currently, Brent crude oil is sitting at $67.84 per barrel, and the rand is trading at R17.64 to the US dollar—a combination that spells trouble for South African fuel buyers.

Official Price Hikes Land on 1 July

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is expected to confirm the final petrol and diesel prices at the start of July.

The new costs will officially kick in at midnight on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.

Until then, Mzansi drivers may want to think twice before going on long road trips or making unnecessary drives.

Every bit of fuel saved now might help soften the blow next week.

Here’s What You’re Currently Paying in June

To help put the upcoming increases into context, here’s a quick look at June 2025’s fuel prices:

Inland Prices

• Petrol 93: R21.24

• Petrol 95: R21.35

• Diesel 0.05%: R18.53

• Diesel 0.005%: R18.57

• Illuminating Paraffin: R12.49

Coastal Prices

• Petrol 93: R20.45

• Petrol 95: R20.56

• Diesel 0.05%: R17.70

• Diesel 0.005%: R17.81

• Illuminating Paraffin: R11.47