South African motorists have received great news as fuel prices have been reduced this week, providing much-needed relief for those planning road trips over the Easter holiday.
Fuel Price Reduction Confirmed
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has announced that, starting Wednesday, 2 April, petrol prices will drop significantly by 58 cents per liter. This marks the second consecutive month of reductions, following a decrease in March.
New Fuel Prices in Effect
With the new adjustments, motorists will now pay R21.62 per liter for 95 Unleaded petrol and R21.51 for 93 Unleaded. These changes represent notable savings compared to last month’s prices of R22.34 and R22.09, respectively.
Diesel users will also benefit from price reductions. The cost of 500ppm diesel has dropped to R19.32 per liter, down from R20.16 in March, while 50ppm diesel now costs R19.35 per liter, compared to R20.21 previously.
Affordable Easter Travel
The timing of this price drop comes as a relief for those traveling during the Easter break. A comparison by the AA reveals that current fuel prices are significantly lower than last Easter. In 2024, inland motorists paid R24.13 per liter for 93 Unleaded, meaning they will now save R2.62 per liter.
Travel Cost Breakdown
For those planning long drives over the holiday, the fuel price decrease translates into noticeable cost savings. A trip from Johannesburg to Durban, approximately 574 km via the N3, can now be completed on a single tank for vehicles like the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, which has a 45-liter fuel capacity.
Under the new prices, filling up a 45-liter tank with 93 Unleaded will cost R967.95, while 95 Unleaded will cost R972.90. Based on a fuel efficiency rate of 12.75 km per liter, a one-way journey from Johannesburg to Durban will cost between R1,574.21 and R1,582.26, depending on the fuel grade.
Similarly, a 321 km drive from Johannesburg to Polokwane will cost approximately R880.35 for 93 Unleaded and R884.85 for 95 Unleaded.
Toll Fees Impact on Travel Costs
Although fuel prices have decreased, motorists must still consider toll fees. The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) implemented a 4.84% toll tariff increase on 1 March 2025, a smaller rise compared to last year’s 6.25% hike.
Light vehicles, such as the Polo Vivo, are classified under Class 1 for toll pricing. A trip from Johannesburg to Durban will now incur R318 in toll fees, while traveling to Polokwane will cost R226 in tolls.
Fuel Price Trends in 2025
The recent decrease follows a series of fuel price fluctuations earlier in the year. Petrol prices saw an increase of 12 cents per liter in January, followed by a sharp rise of 82 cents per liter in February. March, however, marked the beginning of a downward trend, with petrol prices decreasing by 7 cents per liter and wholesale diesel prices dropping between 17.5 and 23.5 cents per liter.
Factors Influencing Fuel Prices
Multiple factors influence the final cost of fuel for consumers. The wholesale fuel price, which retailers pay before distribution, fluctuates due to elements such as international crude oil prices, the strength of the rand against the US dollar, transportation costs, and government-imposed taxes.
Additionally, fuel prices vary between inland and coastal areas. The AA explains that this is due to the additional costs associated with transporting fuel from coastal depots to inland outlets.The latest reduction in fuel prices brings much-needed financial relief to South African motorists, especially as they prepare for Easter holiday travel. While toll fees remain a factor, the overall decrease in fuel costs makes road trips more affordable compared to last year. For those planning long-distance journeys, these savings will provide a welcome boost to holiday budgets.
Related article: March Petrol Price Decrease: Petrol and Diesel Hikes Set to Pause
