Fuel prices head above R30 per litre as motorists count the cost
Fuel prices are soaring, with October’s hikes set to push driving costs sharply higher. Here’s how much more each kilometre could cost motorists compared with early 2026.
Motorists across South Africa will face fuel prices exceeding R30 per litre from October 7, 2023. This represents a significant increase for households already struggling with budget constraints. According to IOL calculations, an entry-level vehicle could see an extra R1,000 in fuel costs compared to March, when driven 2,000km monthly.
Central Energy Fund data reveals that 93 Unleaded prices rose by R3.08, 95 Unleaded by R3.29, and diesel by R2.80 to R3.15. Government intervention with temporary tax relief, as seen in April, appears unlikely. The South African Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, stated no immediate plans to cushion the financial impact.
Fuel prices at the coast are projected at R29.23 for 95 Unleaded and R30.10 for 93 Unleaded, while inland, 93 could reach R29.94. Diesel could exceed R34 at the coast and R35 inland. A small car driving 1,500km per month would see its fuel costs rise from R1,666 in March to R2,470 in October, while an SUV might cost R2,470 in October after peaking at R3,593.
Overall, the cost of fuel for the average South African motorist could increase by nearly R2,000 in seven months due to the elevated oil prices, primarily driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
