Fuel Cost Calculator South Africa 2026
Calculate your fuel costs for any trip or commute
This calculator provides estimates only. Fuel prices change monthly. Use current fuel prices for the most accurate results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current petrol price in South Africa?
Fuel prices change monthly and vary by region. As of 2026, petrol 93 costs around R23.50/litre, petrol 95 around R24.10/litre, and diesel around R22.80/litre in Gauteng.
What is a good fuel consumption rate?
A fuel-efficient car uses 5-7 L/100km. Average cars use 7-10 L/100km. SUVs and bakkies typically use 9-14 L/100km.
How do I find my car's fuel consumption?
Check your car's fuel consumption in the owner's manual, or fill up completely, reset your trip meter, drive until near empty, then divide the litres used by the distance travelled and multiply by 100.
Why is petrol more expensive at the coast?
Inland prices include transport costs from the coast. Gauteng fuel is typically R0.40-R0.60 more expensive per litre than coastal areas.
Does driving speed affect fuel consumption?
Yes, significantly. Driving at 120km/h uses about 25% more fuel than driving at 100km/h. The most efficient speed for most cars is 80-90km/h.
How often do fuel prices change in SA?
Fuel prices are adjusted on the first Wednesday of every month by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
What is the fuel levy in South Africa?
The fuel levy is a government tax on fuel. As of 2026, the general fuel levy is about R3.96/litre and the RAF levy about R2.18/litre, totalling over R6/litre in taxes.
How can I reduce my fuel costs?
Drive at moderate speeds, avoid hard acceleration and braking, keep tyres properly inflated, remove excess weight, use air conditioning sparingly, and plan routes to avoid traffic.
This calculator provides estimates only. Fuel prices change monthly. Use current fuel prices for the most accurate results.
How the fuel cost calculator works
Fuel cost is distance ÷ 100 × consumption in litres per 100 km × price per litre. The order does not matter, but the units do: mixing miles and kilometres is the usual error.
850 km at 7.2 L/100 km uses 850 × 7.2 ÷ 100 = 61.2 litres. At R22.50 a litre that is R1 377,00 a month, or R16 524 a year.
Improving consumption from 7.2 to 6.2 L/100 km saves R191,25 a month — around R2 295 a year, usually more than the cost of the service that would achieve it.
What changes the answer in South Africa
South African fuel prices are adjusted on the first Wednesday of each month and differ by inland and coastal zones, because of the transport component. Petrol 95 and 93 differ in price, and diesel is priced differently again. A vehicle’s quoted consumption is measured on a test cycle, so real urban consumption is typically 10–20% higher.
Common questions about the fuel cost calculator
How do I calculate cost per kilometre?
Fuel cost divided by distance: R1 377,00 ÷ 850 km = R1,62 per kilometre. That is the figure to use for a travel claim.
Why is my real consumption higher than the sticker?
The test cycle is gentler than real driving. Town traffic, air conditioning, load and short trips all raise consumption, often by 10–20%.
Is petrol or diesel cheaper to run?
Diesel usually uses less per 100 km, but the fuel price, the service costs and the purchase price all differ. Compare cost per kilometre, not litres per 100 km.