The South African government has confirmed the fuel price adjustments for October 2025, bringing important changes for motorists and businesses across the country. As fuel prices directly affect transportation, food distribution, and daily living costs, every update to petrol and diesel rates is closely monitored by households and industries alike.
This article outlines the new fuel rates, factors behind the changes, regional price differences, and their impact on the South African economy and daily life.
Why Fuel Prices Change Every Month
Fuel prices in South Africa are adjusted monthly by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). The fluctuations are based on:
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Global Oil Prices: International crude oil costs remain the largest factor.
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Rand/US Dollar Exchange Rate: Since oil is traded in dollars, a weaker rand increases import costs.
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Taxes and Levies: Fuel levy, Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy, and customs duties are included in prices.
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International Shipping & Refining Costs: Supply chain disruptions also play a role.
Confirmed Fuel Prices – October 2025
The DMRE has published the following adjusted fuel prices for October 2025 (average national pump prices):
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Petrol 93 Unleaded: R23.65 per litre (↓ decreased by 12 cents)
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Petrol 95 Unleaded: R24.10 per litre (↓ decreased by 10 cents)
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Diesel 0.05% Sulphur: R22.75 per litre (↑ increased by 15 cents)
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Diesel 0.005% Sulphur: R22.85 per litre (↑ increased by 20 cents)
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Illuminating Paraffin (household): R17.30 per litre (↑ increased by 25 cents)
These changes reflect a mixed adjustment—slight relief in petrol prices but a rise in diesel and paraffin costs, which will directly affect transport and household expenses.
Regional Differences in Fuel Prices
Fuel prices vary across South Africa due to transportation and storage costs:
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Inland Regions (Johannesburg, Pretoria): Slightly higher due to transport from coastal refineries.
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Coastal Cities (Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth): Lower by around R0.25 – R0.30 per litre compared to inland prices.
Impact on Households and Consumers
The October 2025 fuel price update has mixed implications:
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Positive for Motorists: Petrol users benefit from minor price cuts.
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Negative for Commuters: Diesel hikes will increase public transport fares, especially minibus taxis and buses.
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Rising Household Costs: Higher paraffin prices will affect low-income families relying on it for cooking and heating.
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Food Prices: Transport of groceries will likely become more expensive due to diesel hikes.
Impact on Businesses and the Economy
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Transport & Logistics Sector: Higher diesel costs will raise trucking and freight charges.
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Agriculture: Diesel-driven farming equipment will face higher operating expenses.
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Small Businesses: Increased delivery and distribution costs may reduce profit margins.
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Inflation Risk: Higher fuel prices feed into consumer price inflation, pressuring the economy.
Government Measures and Responses
To ease the burden, the government is considering:
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Fuel Subsidies: Temporary subsidies for public transport operators.
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Tax Adjustments: Reviewing the Road Accident Fund levy to reduce cost burdens.
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Energy Alternatives: Encouraging hybrid vehicles and renewable transport solutions.
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Monitoring Rand Stability: Working with financial institutions to stabilize currency volatility.
How Consumers Can Cope with Rising Fuel Costs
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Use Public Transport: More cost-effective for long commutes.
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Carpooling: Sharing rides reduces per-person expenses.
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Track Fuel Apps: Monitor real-time petrol station prices to save.
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Efficient Driving: Maintain steady speeds and reduce idling to save fuel.
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Budget for Transport: Adjust monthly budgets to accommodate fluctuations.
Conclusion
The South Africa Fuel Price October 2025 update brings a mixed outcome—with petrol slightly cheaper but diesel and paraffin costs rising. While motorists may experience some relief, industries and low-income households will face higher expenses.
As fuel prices continue to reflect global oil markets and currency shifts, South Africans are encouraged to budget wisely, adopt fuel-saving habits, and monitor official announcements from the DMRE each month.
FAQs
What are the new fuel prices for October 2025?
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Petrol 93: R23.65/litre
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Petrol 95: R24.10/litre
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Diesel 0.05%: R22.75/litre
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Diesel 0.005%: R22.85/litre
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Paraffin: R17.30/litre
Why did diesel prices increase while petrol decreased?
Diesel imports faced higher international shipping and refining costs, while petrol benefited from a small drop in crude oil prices.
Do fuel prices differ across South Africa?
Yes, inland prices are higher than coastal areas due to transport and storage costs.
How will this affect food prices?
Food distribution relies on diesel trucks, so higher diesel costs may push grocery prices up.
What can households do to manage fuel costs?
They can carpool, use public transport, drive efficiently, and track cheaper filling stations using mobile apps.
Click here to know more.