Still have errands to run? Two ways to make the fuel you need cost less
South Africans have spent much of 2026 adapting to soaring fuel prices, racing to the pumps for one last fill before midnight price hikes take effect, pulling back sharply afterwards and looking for ways to stretch every litre.
As fuel prices soar, motorists face higher costs for essential trips. From October through November, petrol climbed from R20.75 to R30.24 per litre, while diesel rose from R18.42 to R31.60. Discovery Insure data shows motorists are cutting fuel purchases by 23% to 33% even as trips decline only 6%.
To save money, motorists can improve fuel efficiency by planning better routes, combining errands, maintaining steady speeds, and avoiding aggressive driving. In Gauteng, motorists could save up to 20% by matching Limpopo's average of six litres per 100km.
Alternatively, motorists with a qualifying Discovery Bank card can earn up to 65% back on fuel purchases as Discovery Miles, effectively reducing the cost of fuel. These Miles can be converted to cash or used for benefits like tyre purchases, servicing, or vehicle licence renewals through the Insure Funder Account. Despite rising fuel prices, essential travel remains a necessity, but motorists have options to stretch their fuel dollars further.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
