March 2025 Fuel Price Adjustments and Their Impact on Motorists
Fuel Price Decrease Brings Relief to South African Motorists
South African drivers have finally caught a break as fuel prices dropped for the first time in months. After four consecutive increases, the Department of Energy confirmed a slight decrease in petrol and diesel prices for March 2025.
While experts initially predicted a more significant drop, the final adjustment saw petrol decrease by 7 cents per litre, while diesel prices dropped between 18 and 24 cents per litre. These changes took effect from midnight on Tuesday, 4 March 2025.
For motorists looking to calculate their fuel expenses, we break down how much it now costs to fill up three of South Africa’s most popular cars.
New Fuel Prices in South Africa – March 2025
The fuel price adjustments for March are as follows:
Inland Prices:
- Petrol 95 Unleaded: R22.15 per litre
- Diesel 0.05% Sulphur: R19.97 per litre
Coastal Prices:
- Petrol 95 Unleaded: R21.55 per litre
- Diesel 0.05% Sulphur: R19.37 per litre
How Much It Costs to Fill Up These 3 Best-Selling Cars
Using the coastal fuel prices as a reference, here’s how much it costs to fill up three of South Africa’s top-selling vehicles:
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo (45-litre tank)
- Cost for 95 Unleaded Petrol: R969.75 (45 litres × R21.55)
2. Toyota Urban Cruiser (48-litre tank)
- Cost for 95 Unleaded Petrol: R1,034.40 (48 litres × R21.55)
3. Toyota Hilux (80-litre tank)
- Cost for 95 Unleaded Petrol: R1,724 (80 litres × R21.55)
- Cost for Diesel (0.05% Sulphur): R1,549.60 (80 litres × R19.37)
What Affects Fuel Prices in South Africa?
Two primary factors determine local fuel prices:
- International Oil Prices – The cost of crude oil directly impacts the price of refined fuel products.
- Exchange Rate (Rand vs. US Dollar) – Since South Africa imports a large portion of its fuel, fluctuations in the rand-dollar exchange rate influence local fuel prices.
At the time of publishing, the Brent crude oil price is $70.56 per barrel, and the rand/dollar exchange rate sits at R18.59/$.
How to Save on Fuel Costs
With fuel prices still relatively high, South Africans can take steps to reduce their fuel expenses:
- Drive economically – Avoid harsh acceleration and excessive idling.
- Maintain tyre pressure – Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption.
- Use loyalty programs – Many fuel stations offer discounts or reward points.
- Carpool or use public transport – This can significantly reduce monthly fuel expenses.
Final Thoughts
Although fuel prices have decreased slightly, South African motorists still face relatively high costs at the pump. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate based on global markets, drivers should remain mindful of their fuel consumption and take advantage of cost-saving strategies wherever possible.
Also read: Payday Weekend Car Crashes Surge in South Africa – Shocking Statistics Unveiled
