October South Africa Fuel Prices: Diesel Could Ease Lower, Petrol Faces Modest Hike Despite Rand Strength. Image: Business Tech.
(The Post News)- South African motorists face mixed fuel prices for October, as petrol is set to increase while diesel drivers may see some relief.
Mid-month estimates from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) show that petrol prices remain on track for an increase of 8 and 16 cents per liter. Diesel, however, is expected to decrease by around 9 to 10 cents per liter, while illuminating paraffin could drop by 14 cents.
For many motorists , the news comes as a mixed bag. “Even a few cents make a difference when you’re filling up every week. The petrol increase may not sound like a lot, but for people who commute daily, it all adds up,” said a motorist.
According to the CEF, the fluctuations are being driven by two opposing forces: a stronger rand against the US dollar and rising international petroleum product prices. While the exchange rate has worked in South Africa’s favor, climbing global oil prices have pushed petrol into an under-recovery position.
Expected Fuel Prices for Motorists
The projected changes at mid-month are as follows:
Petrol 93: +8 cents per liter
Petrol 95: +16 cents per liter
Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): –10 cents per liter
Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): –9 cents per liter
Illuminating paraffin: –14 cents per liter
According to logistics operators analyst Karen Jacobs, the company has welcomed the potential drop in diesel costs. “For truckers, even a 10-cent decrease makes a meaningful difference in operating expenses. It could provide some short-term relief for transport companies, which ultimately filters down to consumer prices,” he said.
However, some motorists remain cautious. “Fuel prices change so often that it’s hard to plan. Even if diesel goes down now, we know it could be back up the following month,” said a driver who asked to remain anonymous.
The CEF cautioned that these are mid-month estimates, and final adjustments will only be confirmed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy at the end of September.
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