The September 2025 fuel price decrease offers a welcome reprieve for South Africa’s commercial trucking industry. Kevin van der Merwe, Acting CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA), highlights the impact: “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 diesel wholesale prices is particularly welcome.”

Effective 3 September, petrol 93 and 95 fell by 4 cents per litre, diesel 0.05% (500ppm) wholesale dropped 56 cents per litre, diesel 0.005% (50ppm) wholesale fell 57 cents per litre and illuminating paraffin decreased 49 cents per litre.

The reduction reflects a stronger Rand and declining international oil prices, providing an immediate boost for transporters across the country. Road freight moves roughly 85% of all goods in South Africa, making high diesel costs a persistent strain on margins and business sustainability.

“The Association hopes that this 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,” said van der Merwe.

He warned, however, that the industry continues to face various other headwinds, including volatile exchange rates and geopolitical factors that can quickly reverse any gains.

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