Motorists in South Africa are finally catching a break at the fuel pump, with cumulative savings of up to R79.20 per refill compared to just three months ago. This relief comes after three consecutive petrol price cuts between March and June 2025, offering much-needed financial breathing room amid the country’s ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
A Welcome Reprieve After Early-Year Hikes
The price of petrol in South Africa spiked sharply at the start of 2025, peaking in February when 95-octane fuel reached R22.34 per litre. In contrast, by June, the price had eased down to R21.35 per litre, thanks to three months of gradual reductions.
These reductions were as follows:
- March: 7c per litre decrease
- April: 72c per litre decrease
- May: 22c per litre decrease
- June: 5c per litre decrease
Together, they amount to a total drop of 99c per litre, or approximately 4.4%, over the second quarter of 2025.
What the Savings Look Like at the Pump
The fuel price cuts have translated into tangible savings for motorists, particularly those with larger vehicles. Here’s how much less South Africans are paying now compared to March:
| Tank Size | March 2025 Cost (R22.34/l) | June 2025 Cost (R21.35/l) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 litres | R670.20 | R640.50 | – R29.70 |
| 40 litres | R893.60 | R854.00 | – R39.60 |
| 50 litres | R1,117.00 | R1,067.50 | – R49.50 |
| 60 litres | R1,340.40 | R1,281.00 | – R59.40 |
| 70 litres | R1,563.80 | R1,494.50 | – R69.30 |
| 80 litres | R1,787.20 | R1,708.00 | – R79.20 |
Even owners of smaller vehicles, such as those with 30-litre tanks, are seeing meaningful reductions—especially if they fill up multiple times per month.
A Mixed Bag for Consumers
While the second-quarter relief is certainly positive, the overall picture is less rosy. The earlier increases in January (12c) and especially February (82c) have largely offset the gains of recent months. When compared to December 2024, petrol is now only 12c per litre cheaper, indicating a marginal net improvement over a six-month period.
One of the reasons June’s decrease was so minimal (just 5c per litre) is due to the 16c per litre increase in the General Fuel Levy (GFL)—the first such adjustment in three years. Without this hike, motorists would have enjoyed a more substantial 21c cut in June.
Petrol Price Drops Offer Temporary Relief Amid Ongoing Cost Pressures
The recent drop in petrol prices has provided a short-term reprieve for South African motorists, with fuel now costing R21.35 per litre, down from R22.34 per litre in March 2025. This nearly R1 per litre reduction, spread over three months, translates into real savings at the pump—up to R79.20 per refill for those with larger fuel tanks. While these decreases are a welcome development for households grappling with rising living costs, they follow significant hikes earlier in the year, which means overall petrol prices are still only slightly below what they were at the end of 2024.
Cautious Optimism
South African consumers can breathe a little easier for now, but the broader trend shows that petrol prices remain volatile and sensitive to both local and international pressures. While saving up to R79.20 per tank is significant, the long-term outlook will depend on factors like the exchange rate, global oil prices, and government tax policy. For now, every cent counts—and this relief, however modest, is a step in the right direction.
Related article: Will the Petrol Price Increase in June 2025?
