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Fuel Cost Calculator South Africa 2026

Work out the petrol or diesel cost of any trip using current South African fuel prices, your vehicle's consumption and cost-per-kilometre.

✓ Updated with 2026 rates•✓ Free & no sign-up•✓ Instant results

Fuel cost calculator

Live estimate · current SA petrol & diesel prices · 2026

R

R10 – R40 per litre

Distance for this one trip

Check your manual, or: (litres used ÷ km driven) × 100

Trip fuel cost

R882.00

450 km at 8 L/100km

Fuel needed
36.0 L
Cost per km
R1.96
Price per litre
R24.50
Trip cost
R882.00

A 450 km trip at 8 L/100km in petrol 95 octane costs about R882.00 in fuel — roughly R1.96 per kilometre.

How the SA pump price is built

  • Basic fuel price — tracks the international oil price and the rand/dollar rate
  • General fuel levy and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy paid to government
  • Wholesale and retail margins, transport and distribution
  • Adjusted on the first Wednesday of every month by government

Current SA fuel prices (2026)

Fuel typePrice / litreCost per 100 km*
Petrol 95 OctaneR24.50R196.00
Petrol 93 OctaneR24.25R194.00
Diesel 50ppmR23.10R184.80
Diesel 500ppmR23.15R185.20
LP GasR16.20R129.60

*Based on your consumption of 8 L/100km. Prices are estimates and vary by region and coastal/inland zone. Check your local station for the exact pump price. This is an independent estimate, not an official quote.

What affects petrol & diesel prices in SA

South African fuel prices are set by government and adjusted on the first Wednesday of each month. Understanding what drives the pump price helps you budget smarter for petrol and diesel costs.

International oil prices

The basic fuel price tracks global crude oil markets — when oil rises, so does the pump price.

Rand/dollar exchange

Fuel is imported and priced in dollars, so a weaker rand makes petrol and diesel more expensive.

Government levies

The general fuel levy and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy make up a large fixed portion of every litre.

Margins & distribution

Wholesale and retail margins, transport and storage costs add the remainder of the price.

Petrol vs diesel running costs

Diesel

Usually a little cheaper per litre and more fuel-efficient, so cost per km is often lower — best for long-distance and heavy-load driving.

Petrol

Cheaper to buy and maintain, smoother for city driving and short trips, but typically higher consumption on the open road.

How consumption affects your fuel cost

Trip cost is calculated as (distance ÷ 100) × consumption (l/100km) × price per litre. Consumption is the biggest factor you can control — a small change in litres-per-100km adds up over thousands of kilometres.

Efficient (≈6 l/100km)

Small hatchbacks and hybrids — the lowest fuel bills for daily commuting.

Average (≈8 l/100km)

Most sedans and compact SUVs sit here under normal mixed driving.

Thirsty (≈12 l/100km)

Large SUVs and bakkies — noticeably higher cost per kilometre.

Tips to save fuel

Maintain your vehicle

Regular servicing, clean air filters and correct oil keep the engine running efficiently.

Check tyre pressure

Correctly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy.

Drive smoothly

Gentle acceleration and braking, plus steady highway speeds, cut consumption significantly.

Lighten the load

Remove roof racks and unnecessary weight, and plan routes to avoid congestion and back-tracking.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the most common questions.

How do I calculate the fuel cost of a trip in South Africa?
Use the formula: (distance ÷ 100) × consumption (l/100km) × fuel price per litre. For example, a 400 km trip in a car that uses 8 l/100km at R24.50/litre costs (400 ÷ 100) × 8 × R24.50 = R784. Knowing your vehicle's real-world consumption gives the most accurate estimate.
What makes up the petrol price in South Africa?
The pump price is built from the basic fuel price (linked to international oil prices and the rand/dollar exchange rate), the general fuel levy and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy paid to government, plus wholesale and retail margins, transport and distribution costs. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy adjusts the price on the first Wednesday of every month.
Is diesel cheaper than petrol in South Africa?
Diesel is usually a little cheaper per litre than 95 petrol and diesel engines are typically more fuel-efficient, so cost per kilometre is often lower — especially for long-distance and heavy-load driving. The exact gap changes with each monthly price adjustment, and diesel vehicles can carry higher maintenance costs.
How does fuel consumption (l/100km) affect my costs?
Consumption is the biggest lever you control. A vehicle using 10 l/100km costs roughly 43% more in fuel than one using 7 l/100km over the same distance. Lowering your effective consumption — through driving style, vehicle choice and maintenance — directly reduces your monthly fuel spend.
What are the best ways to save fuel in South Africa?
Keep tyres correctly inflated, service your vehicle regularly, drive smoothly and avoid harsh acceleration and braking, stick to the speed limit, remove unnecessary weight and roof racks, and plan routes to avoid congestion. Combining trips and using cruise control on the highway also cut consumption noticeably.

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