Johannesburg Drivers See Modest Relief as Fuel Prices Dip

By Leeyah Ebrahim, Junior Editor

Johannesburg, 28 September 2025 — Motorists in Johannesburg are experiencing a slight reprieve at the pumps this September, with fuel prices seeing modest decreases. However, the relief is tempered by ongoing economic pressures and the persistence of high transport costs.

Fuel Price Adjustments

Effective from Wednesday, 3 September 2025, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced the following changes to fuel prices:

Petrol 93: Decreased by 4 cents per litre.

Petrol 95: Decreased by 4 cents per litre.

Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Decreased by 56 cents per litre.

Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Decreased by 57 cents per litre.

Illuminating paraffin: Decreased by 37 cents per litre.

LPGas: Decreased by approximately R1.32 per kilogram nationally, with some regions like the Western Cape seeing a decrease of R1.51/kg.
South African Government

Current Fuel Prices in Johannesburg

As of the latest adjustments, Johannesburg motorists are paying the following approximate prices:

Petrol 93: R21.47 per litre.

Petrol 95: R21.55 per litre.

Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R19.47 per litre.

Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R19.44 per litre.

These prices reflect the inland rates, which are typically higher than coastal prices due to transportation costs.

Factors Influencing the Price Changes

Several factors contributed to the recent fuel price adjustments:

Global Oil Prices: The average Brent crude oil price decreased from $69.06 USD to $67.01 USD during the review period, influenced by increased production by OPEC+ and non-OPEC producers, slower global economic growth, and uncertain trade tariffs.
South African Government

Exchange Rate: The South African rand strengthened slightly against the US dollar, which helped mitigate the impact of rising international oil prices on local fuel costs.

International Petroleum Product Prices: The prices of refined petroleum products also saw a decline, contributing to the overall decrease in fuel prices.

Economic Implications

While the recent fuel price decreases provide some relief to consumers, the overall economic landscape remains challenging:

Inflation: South Africa’s producer inflation rose to 2.1% year-on-year in August 2025, up from 1.5% in July, indicating potential inflationary pressures within the economy.
Reuters

Transport Costs: Despite the fuel price decreases, transport costs remain high, impacting the prices of goods and services across the country.

Looking Ahead

Motorists are advised to stay informed about future fuel price adjustments, as global oil prices and the exchange rate continue to fluctuate. The DMRE reviews fuel prices monthly, and adjustments are made based on the prevailing economic conditions.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consumers can refer to official announcements from the DMRE and consult reputable sources in the energy sector.