Question 1

What is the current petrol price in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Petrol prices change on the first Wednesday of every month. As of 2025, 95 Unleaded is around R22-R25 per litre depending on the region (inland is more expensive than coastal). Check the AA or Department of Energy website for the exact current price.

Question 2

How do I work out my car's fuel consumption?

Accepted Answer

Fill your tank completely. Reset your trip meter. Drive normally until you need fuel again. Fill up again and note how many litres it took. Divide litres by kilometres driven, then multiply by 100. Example: 45 litres used over 500km = 45÷500×100 = 9.0 litres per 100km.

Question 3

Why is petrol more expensive inland than at the coast?

Accepted Answer

Fuel arrives at South African ports by ship. It then needs to be transported inland by pipeline or truck. The extra transport cost is added to the inland price. This is why Johannesburg petrol is typically R1-R1.50 more per litre than Cape Town or Durban.

Question 4

What is good fuel consumption for a car?

Accepted Answer

For a small car: 5-7 litres/100km is good. For a medium sedan: 7-9 litres/100km. For an SUV: 9-12 litres/100km. For a bakkie: 10-14 litres/100km. Diesel vehicles typically use 1-2 litres less per 100km than their petrol equivalents.

Question 5

Does driving speed affect fuel consumption?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. Most cars are most fuel-efficient between 80-100 km/h. Above 120 km/h, fuel consumption increases rapidly due to wind resistance. Driving at 140 km/h can use 20-30% more fuel than driving at 120 km/h on the same road.

Question 6

Should I use 93 or 95 unleaded petrol?

Accepted Answer

If you live at the coast (below 1500m altitude), 93 octane is fine for most cars and is cheaper. If you live inland (Johannesburg, Pretoria — above 1500m), only 95 octane is available because engines need higher octane at altitude. Check your car's manual for the minimum octane requirement.

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