South African motorists are experiencing substantial relief at the fuel pumps, with petrol and diesel prices dropping by approximately 15% to 16% between May 2024 and May 2025. This decline is attributed to a significant decrease in international oil prices and a relatively stable rand-dollar exchange rate.
According to the Central Energy Fund’s latest unaudited data, further reductions are anticipated in June 2025, with petrol prices expected to decrease by around 20 cents per litre and diesel by about 50 cents per litre.
The average price of Brent crude oil fell from $89.94 per barrel in April 2024 to $68.13 in April 2025, marking a 24% decrease. Meanwhile, the rand remained relatively stable against the dollar, with only a 0.1% difference in the average exchange rate over the same period.
These favorable conditions have led to significant savings for motorists. Filling a 45-litre tank with unleaded 95 petrol now costs approximately R184 less than a year ago. For larger vehicles with 60-litre and 80-litre tanks, the savings are around R245 and R327, respectively.
While the retail prices of diesel are unregulated and can vary between stations, the overall trend indicates substantial cost reductions, benefiting both individual consumers and industries reliant on diesel-powered transportation.
These developments offer a welcome respite for South Africans grappling with economic pressures, providing both immediate financial relief and potential downstream benefits in terms of reduced transportation and goods costs.
