October 2025 fuel price adjustments: What South Africans need to know

After a stronger rand outpaced higher oil prices, South Africans can expect moderate adjustments to the price of petrol and diesel from Wednesday, October 1.

IOL reported that the month-end unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) pointed to a three-cent increase for 95 Unleaded petrol and a five-cent decrease for 93 Unleaded.

However, it’s possible that the energy department will average these out for a decrease of around one cent.

Diesel is set for a modest decrease of 10 cents for 500ppm and seven cents for 50ppm, according to the CEF data. Illuminated paraffin looks set for a 10-cent decrease.

The above predictions could see the price of 95 Unleaded petrol rising to R20.79 at the coast and R21.58 in Gauteng, with 93 Unleaded possibly receding to around R21.42. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel should fall to R18.64 at the coast and R19.40 inland.

The official fuel price adjustments are expected to come into effect on October 1.

While international fuel product prices edged upwards during the review period, which will determine October’s fuel prices, a stronger rand has added around 14 cents of relief to the fuel price equation.

The local currency appreciated to a one-year high of R17.30 to the US dollar late last week, following significant inflows into the local bond market

A relatively stable currency and historically low international oil prices have ensured a degree of fuel price stability in 2025, with both petrol and diesel prices currently at the same level as they were in January 2025.

This will be the second month of moderate petrol price adjustments, with both grades having seen reductions of four cents in September, while diesel decreased by between 56 cents (500ppm) and 57 cents (50ppm).

IOL Motoring