October Fuel Prices Set to Remain Largely Steady
South African motorists may breathe a small sigh of relief this October, with the Central Energy Fund (CEF) indicating that petrol and diesel prices are unlikely to shift dramatically next month.
According to unaudited month-end data, 95 Unleaded petrol shows a minor under-recovery of just three cents, while 93 Unleaded has an over-recovery of a similar amount. In practical terms, this means petrol prices could stay flat or fluctuate by only a few cents, depending on smaller factors such as the Slate Levy.
Meanwhile, diesel is tipped for a slight drop: 500ppm diesel could decrease by around 10 cents, and 50ppm diesel may fall by eight cents. The official adjustments will be published early next week and take effect from Wednesday, 1 October.
Why Prices Are Holding Steady
This largely neutral outlook is thanks to a combination of stronger local currency and relatively stable international oil prices. While global prices have crept higher—95 Unleaded up 17 cents and 93 Unleaded up 10 cents per litre—the rand has softened the blow.
As of 25 September, the South African rand is trading at R17.30 against the dollar, buoyed by significant inflows into the local bond market. This currency strength effectively offsets much of the international price pressure, keeping fuel costs manageable for consumers.
“The stronger rand has added roughly 14 cents worth of relief to the fuel price equation,” an energy analyst explained.
Current Fuel Prices in South Africa
For context, petrol and diesel have remained largely unchanged for most of 2025:
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95 Unleaded: R20.76 at the coast, R21.55 in Gauteng
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93 Unleaded: R21.47 in Gauteng
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50ppm diesel: R18.71 at the coast, R19.47 in Gauteng
This stability has offered South African drivers a rare break in a year often marked by fluctuating energy costs.
What Drivers Should Know
While the changes are minor, fuel price stability provides an opportunity for households and businesses to plan ahead. Many local commuters rely heavily on petrol for daily transport, and small savings—even a few cents per litre—can add up over a month.
Energy experts also note that October’s minor adjustments reflect a broader trend this year: the rand’s resilience and modest international price movements have kept fuel bills steady, a welcome relief amid broader economic uncertainties.
For South Africans keeping an eye on petrol and diesel costs, October is shaping up to be a month of calm at the pumps.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@City_Press}
