Image via ANA
Image via ANA
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.
Subtracting these totals from the March fuel price gives us the following average cost-per-litre for petrol and diesel. These prices came into effect at 00:00 on Wednesday:
| Fuel | Inland | Coastal | Difference |
| Petrol | R13.76 | R13.25 | Down by R1.94 |
| Diesel | R12.69 | R12.09 | Down by R1.40 |
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 levvies – 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
Mini Buses / Taxis
Average capacity: 75 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R1 032
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R951.75
Buses and Trucks
Average capacity: 250 litres
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R3 172.50
Motorcycles
Average capacity: 20 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R275.20
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R253.80
A Record Fuel Price Decrease!
— Radio 2000 (@Radio2000ZA) April 1, 2020
*Petrol 95- a drop of R1.88 (inland) and R1.94 (coastal)
*Petrol 93- a drop of R1.76 (inland) and R1.82 (coastal)
*Diesel 0.05%- a drop of R R1.34 (inland) and R1.40 (coastal)
*Diesel 0.005%- a drop of R1.35 (inland) and R1.41 (coastal)@NonalaTose pic.twitter.com/MPgzKfOjM5
