Understanding Fuel Costs in South Africa
Fuel is one of the largest ongoing expenses for South African motorists. This calculator helps you estimate trip costs, plan your budget, and compare the running costs of different vehicles.
How Fuel Prices Work in South Africa
South Africa has a regulated fuel price that changes monthly. The price is set by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and includes:
- Basic Fuel Price (BFP): Based on international oil prices
- Fuel Levy: Tax collected for the National Revenue Fund
- Road Accident Fund Levy: Contributes to RAF
- Customs and Excise: Import duties
- Retail and Wholesale Margins: For service stations
Petrol vs Diesel
Petrol
- Better for city driving
- Lower purchase price for vehicles
- Quieter engine operation
- 93 (coastal) or 95 (inland) octane
Diesel
- Better fuel economy (20-30% more efficient)
- More torque for towing/heavy loads
- Better for highway driving
- 50ppm (low sulphur) standard
Tips to Reduce Fuel Consumption
- Maintain proper tyre pressure – Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by up to 3%
- Drive smoothly – Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking
- Use cruise control – Maintains constant speed on highways
- Reduce air conditioning – A/C can increase consumption by 10-20%
- Remove excess weight – Every 50kg adds about 2% to fuel consumption
- Plan your routes – Avoid traffic and combine trips
- Service regularly – A well-maintained engine is more efficient
Average Fuel Consumption by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Petrol (L/100km) | Diesel (L/100km) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Hatchback | 5.5 - 7.0 | 4.5 - 5.5 |
| Sedan | 7.0 - 9.0 | 5.5 - 7.0 |
| SUV | 9.0 - 12.0 | 7.0 - 9.0 |
| Bakkie (Double Cab) | 10.0 - 14.0 | 8.0 - 11.0 |
| Luxury/Performance | 10.0 - 15.0+ | 8.0 - 12.0 |
Pro Tip
Track your actual fuel consumption by filling up completely, resetting your trip meter, and calculating litres used ÷ kilometres driven × 100 at your next fill-up. This gives you a more accurate figure than manufacturer claims.
Disclaimer
Fuel prices change monthly and vary by region (coastal vs inland). The calculations are estimates based on the values you enter. Actual costs may vary based on driving conditions, traffic, and vehicle condition.