Inland 95 petrol now costs R30.25 a litre, compared with R21.12 in November 2025.

That means filling a 50-litre tank costs about R1,512.50, an increase of approximately R456.50 per tank in less than a year. Inland 93 petrol now costs R29.88 a litre. 

Why petrol became so expensive

The October adjustment added R3.33 a litre to 95 petrol and R3.12 to 93 petrol.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources attributed the increases mainly to higher international oil and refined-fuel prices, supply uncertainty and increased shipping costs.

The average Brent crude oil price rose from $87.89 to $101 a barrel during the review period. A slight strengthening of the rand offered almost no relief.

Shoppers are changing their priorities

Higher fuel costs leave less money for purchases after motorists have filled their tanks.

Trade Intelligence found that 92% of the forecourt shoppers it surveyed had changed their broader spending habits because of financial pressure. Respondents were slightly more likely to cut non-fuel purchases than fuel spending, reflecting how difficult it can be to reduce essential travel.

Forecourt shops are responding by reviewing their prices, promotions and product ranges as customers become more selective about convenience purchases.

Making every litre go further

Motorists cannot control the regulated petrol price, and many journeys are unavoidable. Practical habits may still help reduce unnecessary fuel use:

• Combine nearby errands into one journey.
• Plan routes before leaving.
• Maintain the tyre pressure recommended for the vehicle.
• Remove unnecessary heavy items from the car.
• Accelerate and brake smoothly where conditions allow.
• Keep the vehicle serviced.
• Set a limit for non-fuel purchases at petrol stations.

Small savings won't offset the price increase, but they can help protect a little more of the monthly household budget.

The Bottom Line

Fuel prices are placing genuine pressure on households, particularly those that depend on daily travel.

South Africans are responding by planning journeys more carefully, reconsidering convenience purchases and searching for better value.

Petrol prices may be outside our control, but using every litre more carefully can still make a difference.