By DriveZA | 5 May 2025
South African motorists can finally breathe a sigh of relief as confirmed fuel price cuts take effect on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. Contrary to earlier forecasts of mixed adjustments, the latest official data reveals broad reductions across petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin, driven by lower global oil prices and a recovering rand.
Official May 2025 Fuel Price Adjustments
| Fuel Type | Inland Price (R/litre) | Coastal Price (R/litre) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 Unleaded | R21.29 | R20.60 | ▼21c |
| Petrol 95 Unleaded | R21.40 | R20.62 | ▼22c |
| Diesel 0.05% Sulphur | R18.94 | R18.15 | ▼42c |
| Diesel 0.005% Sulphur | R18.97 | R18.21 | ▼41c |
| Illuminating Paraffin | — | — | ▼31c |
| LPG (per kg) | — | — | ▲46c |
Key Drivers Behind the Reductions
- Global Oil Prices: Brent Crude plummeted from $71.04 to $66.40 per barrel
- Rand Recovery: Averaged R18.83/USD in April
- International Product Prices: Sharp falls in diesel and petrol prices
What This Means for Motorists
Savings at the Pump
- 30-litre petrol tank: R6.60 less
- 50-litre refill: R11 saving
- 70-litre diesel tank: R28.70 saving
Long-Term Trends
- Petrol prices remain 17c higher than January 2025
- Diesel down R1.30/litre since March
Why Earlier Forecasts Were Mixed
Initial predictions suggested smaller cuts due to rand volatility, but steeper oil price declines and rand recovery led to larger reductions.
Looking Ahead
Prices remain sensitive to geopolitical risks, including US tariff policies and OPEC+ production decisions.
DriveZA Tips
- Fill up on Tuesday, 6 May for maximum savings
- Track prices with FuelCheck app
- Follow @DriveZA for updates
Stay informed, drive smarter!
