Petrol users will see modest relief in August, while diesel prices climb sharply. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed that both grades of petrol drop by 52c per litre, but diesel increases by between R1.23 and R1.38 per litre.
Although petrol saw relief from a reduced slate levy in July, August’s pricing still reflects the ongoing correction of cumulative under‑recoveries.
Petrol users benefit from a small decrease, but diesel’s sharp rise is expected to place pressure on freight, agriculture and public transport costs, with knock‑on effects for food and consumer goods pricing.
A combination of global and local pressures shaped the final adjustment
Renewed US–Iran hostilities pushed Brent crude above $90 per barrel before easing toward $82 as tensions cooled. This volatility erased earlier petrol over‑recoveries and deepened diesel under‑recoveries.
Russia’s diesel export restrictions and Middle East refineries operating below capacity drove up diesel-linked Basic Fuel Price contributions. Petrol, by contrast, benefited from lower international product prices.
The rand weakened slightly from R16.34 to R16.46 against the US dollar, adding upward pressure across petrol, diesel and paraffin price structures.
Source: The South African