September 2025 Petrol Price: Sharp Diesel Drop, Minimal Petrol Changes
South Africans can look forward to a measure of relief at the pumps this September, with diesel prices set to fall sharply while petrol adjustments remain minimal.
Fuel Price Outlook
According to end-of-month figures from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), fuel prices will shift next week, bringing a mixed bag for motorists. Diesel users stand to gain the most, while petrol costs will see only slight changes:
| Fuel Type | Expected Change (per litre) |
|---|---|
| Diesel (50ppm & 500ppm) | ↓ ~55c |
| Petrol 95 ULP | ↓ ~4c (possible small hike) |
| Petrol 93 ULP | ↓ ~12c |
| Illuminating paraffin | ↓ ~37c |
However, analysts caution that late under-recoveries on 95 ULP may turn the expected cut into a marginal increase. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will officially confirm the final prices early next week.
Economic and Inflationary Context
The diesel reduction is particularly significant for transport, freight, and agriculture sectors that are heavily reliant on fuel. The price cut is expected to ease operational costs and help contain inflation.
Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) rose to 3.5% in July, up from 3.0% in June, marking its highest level since September 2024. Food inflation driven by rising beef and vegetable prices was the primary contributor, but earlier diesel hikes of 63–65c in July and 84c in June added pressure. The upcoming diesel relief should help reduce these cost burdens for both businesses and households.
Current Fuel Levels
- Diesel (50ppm) at the coast: R19.28/litre – still around 60c higher than in January, but set to move closer to earlier levels after the September cut.
- Petrol 95 ULP at the coast: R20.76/litre – only slightly lower than January’s R20.80, reflecting relative stability compared to diesel’s volatility.
Global and Currency Factors
September’s adjustments mirror international market movements. Diesel prices have been easing globally due to rising inventories, while petrol costs remain relatively flat.
A marginally stronger rand also provided some relief, contributing around 1.5c per litre to soften the impact of global price shifts.
Overall, September brings welcome relief especially for industries dependent on diesel. While petrol remains largely steady with only minor changes, the sharp diesel drop should provide breathing space for logistics, farming, and freight operators. For households and businesses grappling with rising costs, the adjustment offers timely support in the fight against inflation.
Related article: Expected Petrol Price Decrease for August Revealed
