Motorists are saving up to R79.20 on petrol compared to what they were spending three months ago.
South Africa has experienced three consecutive petrol price cuts between March and June 2025, resulting in a much-needed breather for individuals filling up at the pump.
However, this short-term relief is somewhat undermined by the fact that prices went up substantially earlier this year, leaving households with prices that are only marginally better than last year’s.
What motorists are saving this June
Following a substantial petrol price increase in February, the cost of fuel dropped by a mere 7c per litre in March 2025.
As a result, motorists were paying a substantial R22.34 per litre for petrol 95 in March, but things have thankfully improved since then thanks to three months of consecutive reductions, as shown below:
- April – 72c per litre decrease
- May – 22c per litre decrease
- June – 5c per litre decrease
The three price cuts mean that petrol prices dropped by a combined 99c per litre in the second quarter of 2025, resulting in a small but appreciable cost reduction of 4.4%.
The following table shows how much it cost to fill up different tank sizes back in March, compared to what it does now:
| Tank size | Cost to refill in March 2024 (R22.34) | Cost to refill in June 2025 (R21.35) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 litres | R670.20 | R640.50 | – R29.70 |
| 40 litres | R893,60 | R854 | – R39.60 |
| 50 litres | R1,117 | R1,067.50 | – R49.50 |
| 60 litres | R1,340.40 | R1,281 | – R59.40 |
| 70 litres | R1,563.80 | R1,494.50 | – R69.30 |
| 80 litres | R1,787.20 | R1,708 | – R79.20 |
The good news is that motorists are saving up to R79.20 per top-up, depending on the size of their tank.
Even if you have a smaller car with a 30-litre tank, the R29.70 saving is proportionally the same, which should make a difference for persons filling up a few times per month.
Good, but it could be better
While the second quarter’s fuel price reductions are certainly welcome, the unfortunate reality is that South Africa is more or less back to square one, following the price hikes that occurred earlier this year.
January and February both experienced price increases, the latter of which led to a particularly large jump in the value of the precious liquid:
- January – 12c per litre increase
- February – 82c per litre increase
- March – 7c per litre decrease
- April – 72c per litre decrease
- May – 22c per litre decrease
- June – 5c per litre decrease
The end result of these adjustments is that petrol prices are only 12c per litre lower than what they were in December last year.
One reason for the measly reduction is the small decreases that occurred in March and June.
March’s low reduction simply came down to weak economic indicators, including a fractional improvement of the US dollar/rand exchange rate and the international trading price of oil.
June’s 5c per litre cut, on the other hand, can be attributed to the government’s decision to raise the General Fuel Levy (GFL) for the first time in three years.
The GFL went up by 16c per litre, reducing a fairly substantial price cut of 21c per litre down to the 5c figure we ended up getting.
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