South African motorists can expect some fuel price relief from next Wednesday, 7 May — although gains will be slightly dampened by a volatile exchange rate.
According to unaudited late-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), petrol prices are expected to fall by around 20 cents per litre, while diesel could see a more notable drop of 38 cents per litre for both grades.
If confirmed, this would bring the price of 95 Unleaded down to approximately R20.63 per litre at the coast and R21.42 inland. The inland price of 93 Unleaded may decrease to about R21.31.
April saw steeper reductions, with petrol falling by up to 72 cents and diesel by as much as 86 cents per litre.
The primary reason for May's anticipated drop is a decline in global oil prices. Brent Crude has fallen from around $74 per barrel at the start of April to roughly $64, holding steady near $65 through most of the month.
However, the weakening of the South African rand against the US dollar has eroded potential savings. The currency briefly breached R19 to the dollar in early April amid U.S. trade tensions but later recovered to R18.64 by month-end — though not enough to offset earlier losses.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is expected to confirm the official price adjustments early next week.