Petrol costs in South Africa has surged dramatically in recent years, making daily commutes increasingly expensive for employees.

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The Daily Expense of Commuting

With petrol prices currently as high as R22.34 per litre for 95 octane following recent adjustments, many South Africans are feeling the strain of rising fuel costs. On average, motorists now spend approximately R78.20 per day on fuel to travel to work, though this amount varies depending on fuel efficiency and travel distance.

Understanding the Hidden Costs

To estimate daily fuel expenses, a standard fuel consumption rate of 7.0 litres per 100km is used. This figure represents the majority of vehicles on the road, from fuel-efficient hatchbacks to larger SUVs and bakkies, which may consume between 6.0-8.0 litres per 100km.

Breakdown of Daily Fuel Costs

Below is a breakdown of the estimated fuel costs based on different commute distances:

Distance to Work	Fuel Consumed	Petrol Cost One-Way	Petrol Cost Both Ways
5km	0.35 litres	R7.82	R15.64
10km	0.7 litres	R15.64	R31.28
15km	1.05 litres	R23.46	R46.92
20km	1.40 litres	R31.28	R62.56
25km	1.75 litres	R39.10	R78.20
30km	2.10 litres	R46.91	R93.82
35km	2.45 litres	R54.73	R109.46
40km	2.80 litres	R62.55	R125.10
45km	3.15 litres	R70.37	R140.74
50km	3.50 litres	R78.19	R156.38

Commuters who live close to work may only need to spend around R7.82 for a one-way trip, but for those traveling 50km each way—such as from Pretoria to Johannesburg or Stellenbosch to Cape Town—the daily fuel cost can reach R156.38. Over a month, this translates to a fuel expense ranging between R484.84 and R4,847.78, excluding weekend travel.

Additional Expenses Beyond Petrol Costs

While petrol is a major expense, other factors further inflate the cost of commuting. Although Gauteng drivers no longer need to pay e-tolls, many South Africans still pass through toll booths, adding to their monthly travel costs. Some tolls, like Chapman’s Peak Drive or Sanral-managed routes, offer discounts for frequent users, but they remain an unavoidable expense.

Parents who need to drop their children at school before heading to work may also face increased fuel costs, especially if schools are not on their direct route. Moreover, South African cities rank among the most congested globally, with commuters losing valuable hours in traffic. Cape Town, for example, ranks as the eighth-most congested city worldwide, with drivers wasting an average of 94 hours per year stuck on the road.

With fuel prices steadily climbing, the financial burden of commuting continues to grow. Whether through fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling, or remote work opportunities, South Africans are increasingly seeking ways to mitigate the impact of rising transport costs. Understanding the true cost of commuting is essential in planning for financial sustainability in an ever-changing economy.