Cape Town – Despite global market turmoil, South African motorists can expect some relief at the pumps in May 2025, thanks to lower international oil prices and a strengthening rand.
According to the latest figures from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), fuel prices are set for further relief, with petrol expected to decrease by between 10 and 14 cents per litre, The South African reported.
Diesel is on track for a drop of around 35 cents per litre, while illuminating paraffin could see a 27 cent per litre decline.
Should current market trends hold steady through month-end, this would mark the second month in a row that fuel prices have gone down, the report said.
It follows a significant 72 cent reduction in petrol last month, which brought the inland price of 95 petrol down to R21.62 per litre.
Key Drivers: (according to BusinessTech)
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Global oil prices have dropped significantly due to fears of a global recession sparked by US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, including a 25% tariff on automotive exports and a 10% general export tariff.
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The rand/dollar exchange rate, which initially weakened amid political instability within the Government of National Unity (GNU), has since recovered somewhat after tensions between the ANC and DA eased.
Central Energy Fund (CEF) mid-month projections:
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Petrol 93: down by 15 cents/litre
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Petrol 95: down by 18 cents/litre
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Diesel 0.05%: down by 38 cents/litre
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Diesel 0.005%: down by 39 cents/litre
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Illuminating paraffin: down by 31 cents/litre
Expected Fuel Prices for May 2025:
Inland (per litre):
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93 Petrol: R21.36 (from R21.51)
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95 Petrol: R21.44 (from R21.62)
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Diesel 0.05%: R18.94
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Diesel 0.005%: R18.96
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Paraffin: R13.05
Coastal (per litre):
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93 Petrol: R20.57
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95 Petrol: R20.65
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Diesel 0.05%: R18.15
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Diesel 0.005%: R18.20
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Paraffin: R12.05
Final fuel prices will be confirmed at the end of April by the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
