Motorists in South Africa are set to benefit from substantial reductions at the fuel pumps next month, with mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) predicting price drops for all grades of petrol and diesel.
Thanks to a stronger rand and lower global oil prices, petrol is expected to decrease by up to 96 cents per litre, while diesel prices could drop by 90 cents per litre.
Fuel Price Outlook
The CEF’s latest projections show significant over-recoveries for both petrol and diesel prices. Unleaded 95 petrol is expected to drop by 96 cents per litre, while 93 petrol will see a decrease of 82 cents.
Diesel 50ppm could decrease by 90 cents per litre, and 500ppm diesel is forecast to drop by 85 cents. The price of illuminating paraffin is also expected to fall by 85 cents per litre.
Key Contributing Factors
The decline in fuel prices is largely due to a combination of falling global oil prices and the strengthening of the South African rand.
Oil prices have been under pressure from lower demand forecasts and escalating trade tensions between the US and other major economies, particularly in light of the ongoing trade war with China and other nations.
After a three-week losing streak, oil prices rose slightly last week, driven by concerns over global economic growth. Brent crude oil was trading at R71.20 per barrel early on Monday.
Analysts have downgraded their oil price forecasts, citing slower US economic growth and an oversupply of oil from OPEC+.
The rand’s stability, bolstered by record high gold prices, has further supported these fuel over-recoveries, providing South African motorists with a financial buffer.
Additionally, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2025 Budget Speech confirmed no increases in the general fuel levy or road accident fund levy, though the carbon fuel levy will rise by 3 cents per litre for both petrol and diesel.
Mid-Month Fuel Price Projections
The mid-month projections for April 2025 are as follows:
| Fuel Type | Price Change (c/l) | March 2025 Price | April 2025 Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | -82 cents | R22.09 | R21.30 |
| Petrol 95 | -96 cents | R22.34 | R21.34 |
| Diesel 0.05% (Wholesale) | -89 cents | R20.26 | R19.30 |
| Diesel 0.005% (Wholesale) | -90 cents | R20.21 | R19.34 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | -85 cents | R14.18 | R13.33 |
Note: These figures are indicative and subject to change based on factors like retail margins, tax measures, and levy adjustments.
Expected April 2025 Pump Prices
Motorists can expect the following changes to fuel prices across inland and coastal areas:
Inland Prices:
| Fuel Type | March 2025 Price | April 2025 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | R22.09 | R21.30 |
| Petrol 95 | R22.34 | R21.34 |
| Diesel 0.05% (Wholesale) | R20.26 | R19.30 |
| Diesel 0.005% (Wholesale) | R20.21 | R19.34 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R14.18 | R13.33 |
Coastal Prices:
| Fuel Type | March 2025 Price | April 2025 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | R21.30 | R20.51 |
| Petrol 95 | R21.55 | R20.62 |
| Diesel 0.05% (Wholesale) | R19.37 | R18.51 |
| Diesel 0.005% (Wholesale) | R19.45 | R18.58 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R13.18 | R12.33 |
These prices are subject to final confirmation by the Department of Petroleum and Minerals, with the official prices set to be announced a few days before implementation.
