No April Fool's joke: Petrol price decrease a record

South Africa

─── 13:59 Wed, 01 Apr 2020

This is no April Fool's joke - almost R2 per litre is coming off our petrol price for the month ahead. Just a shame it's happened during lockdown.

A record monthly drop for the petrol price in South Africa has been confirmed, after nearly R2-per-litre was shaved off of our fuel costs for April. Diesel and illuminating paraffin have also seen their prices drop dramatically. Although lockdown has limited our daily routine, we can class this as the thinnest of all silver linings during the coronavirus pandemic.

Confirmed petrol price for April 2020

We might be unable to go barely anywhere or do almost anything, but you can still buy petrol and diesel, as it is a designated “essential service”. There’s no need to rush to the pumps – these prices will be fixed until May – but the next time you need to fill-up, you’re looking at some pretty generous offerings.

Petrol: Decrease of R1.94 cents per litre.
Diesel: Decrease of R1.40 cents per litre.
Paraffin: Decrease of R.174 cents per litre.

Why is the petrol price dropping in April?

Global oil price trends have accounted for this slashing of fuel costs. The outbreak of the coronavirus has left international markets spooked, and the demand for oil has subsided. The decrease would have been more, if not for the rand’s weak monthly performance against the US dollar. Despite a brief rally earlier this month, ZAR is still floundering after hitting its lowest ever value against the greenback.

Furthermore, a 25-cent increase on our fuel levies – announced during the February budget speech – has been added on to April’s prices. The drop could have breached the R2-per-litre mark if not for these taxes. Nonetheless, this additional value will not be felt by motorists due to the record decline.

Diesel and petrol price for April – filling up in coastal regions:

Motor Vehicles and Bakkies

Average capacity: 45 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R596.25
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R544.05

Mini Buses / Taxis

Average capacity: 75 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R993.75
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R906.75

Buses and Trucks

Average capacity: 250 litres
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R 3 022.50

Motorcycles

Average capacity: 20 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R265
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R241.80

Diesel and petrol price for April – Filling up inland:

Motor Vehicles and Bakkies

Average capacity: 45 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R619.20
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R571.05