Road Freight Association welcomes September fuel price decreases

The Road Freight Association (RFA) has welcomed the announced fuel price decreases announced September 2025, as it said this brings some relief to the road freight industry and, by extension, to consumers across the country.

The price adjustments announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, which take effect on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, are as follows:

• Petrol 93: Decrease of 4 cents per litre
• Petrol 95: Decrease of 4 cents per litre
• Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): Decrease of 56 cents per litre
• Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): Decrease of 57 cents per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: Decrease of 37 cents per litre

The price drops, according to the department, come after the average international prices of all petroleum products decreased in line with the decrease in crude oil prices and the Rand appreciated slightly on average, against the US Dollar.

Kevin van der Merwe, acting RFA CEO, said for the road freight industry, where diesel is the primary energy source and often constitutes a significant portion of operational costs, the substantial decrease in wholesale diesel prices is particularly welcome.

He said the road freight industry is the lifeblood of the South African economy, with approximately 85% of all goods transported by road.

“The persistent pressure of high fuel costs has been a major challenge, squeezing margins and impacting the sustainability of transport businesses, from large corporations to small owner-operators.

“While the decrease is a positive step, it is important to note that the industry continues to face various other headwinds, including volatile exchange rates and geopolitical factors that can quickly reverse any gains.”

The Association said it hoped the positive trend continues and that a period of stable or decreasing fuel prices will allow transporters to recover from previous price shocks and, where possible, pass on savings to their customers and the end-consumer.

THE MERCURY