Petrol Price in South Africa Drops for November 2025

Petrol Price in South Africa: November Brings Relief for Motorists

South Africans can finally take comfort at the petrol pumps this November, as the petrol price in South Africa drops for the first time in months. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has officially announced that both petrol and diesel prices will decrease from Wednesday, 5 November 2025. It’s welcoming news for motorists feeling the pinch of rising costs.

Official Petrol Price Adjustments for November

According to the DMRE, both grades of petrol  (93 and 95 unleaded) will decrease by 51 cents per litre, while diesel prices will drop between 19 and 21 cents per litre, depending on the grade.

Here’s what South Africans can expect to pay:

• 95 Unleaded petrol: R20.29 per litre at the coast and R21.12 inland
• 93 Unleaded petrol: R20.97 per litre inland
• Diesel (50ppm): R18.42 per litre at the coast and R19.18 inland

This reduction brings fuel costs to their lowest level in over a year, nearing three-year lows - much-needed good news for commuters, transport operators, and businesses alike.

Why the Petrol Price is Dropping

The petrol price drop follows a dip in international oil prices, which hit their lowest in almost six months. In mid-October, Brent Crude fell to about $61 a barrel before bouncing back slightly to around $65 by month’s end.

This change was shaped by improved global economic sentiment and reduced US oil stockpiles, which eased international markets. Also, trade tensions between China and the United States appeared to improve, following positive discussions between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, boosting investors’ confidence as a result.

Reflecting on the change, BusinessTech reported:

“Thanks to the general trend of lower oil and a stronger rand, however, fuel recoveries rooted firmly on the over-recovery side of the equation, leading to price cuts for motorists in November.”  

Who Controls the Petrol Price in South Africa?

Most South African motorists often wonder who controls the petrol price in South Africa? The answer mainly lies with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, which adjusts prices on the first Wednesday of each month.

These adjustments follow a standard formula that looks at:

• The international price of refined oil (based on Brent Crude)
• The rand/dollar exchange rate
• Transport costs and government levies

This system ensures petrol and diesel prices reflect global market trends and meet local logistics and taxation requirements.

Petrol Price Trends in 2025

The petrol price in South Africa has shown reasonable stability all through 2025. At the start of the year, 95 Unleaded petrol was priced at R20.80 per litre, topping R21.62 in February. Since then, prices have gradually come down across most months, offering some level of consistency for budget-conscious South Africans.

While November’s price drop seems promising, it’s worth noting that oil markets remain unpredictable. Any shift in global supply chains, geopolitical tensions, or currency fluctuations could easily see this trend take a backseat in the coming months.

The Bigger Picture: Petrol Price and Diesel Price Impact

In November 2025, motorists in South Africa will pay the following: 

These figures mark the lowest fuel prices in over a year — good news for consumers, logistics companies, and the economy as a whole.

The Bottom Line

Lower petrol and diesel prices not only benefit everyday motorists but also have a broader economic impact. Reduced fuel costs cut a few transportation expenses, which in turn can ease the cost of goods and services across the country.

However, experts caution that the relief might be temporary if international oil prices climb again or if the rand weakens against the dollar. For now, though, motorists can enjoy a little breathing room,  just in time for the festive season ahead.

With the holidays just around the corner, do you want to know how to save on petrol? Check out our blogs on how to minimise fuel consumption.