South African motorists can look forward to some relief in September, particularly those relying on diesel. While petrol prices are set to remain mostly steady, diesel users will enjoy a notable decrease at the pumps.
Petrol Price Outlook
Data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows that fuel price adjustments will take effect next week, with diesel leading the downward trend:
- Diesel: ↓ around 55c per litre
- Petrol 95 ULP: ↓ about 4c per litre
- Petrol 93 ULP: ↓ about 12c per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: ↓ 37c per litre
However, there is still a possibility that a late under-recovery could push 95 ULP slightly higher instead of delivering a cut. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will confirm the official changes early next week.
Economic and Inflationary Context
The diesel reduction is expected to be a major boost for the transport and agricultural sectors, where fuel costs are a significant expense. Lower diesel prices should also help ease inflationary pressures.
Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) climbed to 3.5% in July, up from 3.0% in June, the highest reading since September 2024. Rising food prices particularly beef and vegetables were key drivers, but diesel hikes of 63–65c in July and 84c in June added further strain. The September drop offers some welcome cost relief for businesses and households alike.
Current Fuel Levels
At present, 50ppm diesel at the coast sits at R19.28 per litre, about 60c higher than in January. The upcoming decrease should bring diesel closer to its start-of-year levels.
Petrol, by comparison, has shown greater stability this year. 95 ULP at the coast costs R20.76 per litre, nearly unchanged from January’s R20.80, highlighting its steadiness compared to diesel’s volatility.
Global and Currency Factors
The September adjustments are largely tied to global energy trends. While petrol prices internationally have been muted, diesel costs dropped as inventories rose.
A slightly stronger rand also added a modest buffer of about 1.5c per litre, softening the impact of global market swings on local consumers.
For September, diesel users particularly in logistics, freight, and farming stand to benefit the most from the sharp drop in prices. Petrol remains largely unchanged, offering stability, while diesel’s decline provides meaningful relief to households and industries grappling with rising inflation.
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