South Africa’s fuel spending surges despite falling consumption

South African motorists spent a total of R70 billion on petrol and diesel over the three-month period ending in August 2026, even though they purchased less fuel than in the same period of 2025. Statistics South Africa’s latest figures reveal revenue from fuel sales climbed 19.9% year-over-year, reaching R69.75 billion compared with R58.17 billion in June–August 2025. The increase came despite a 5.7% drop in the volume of fuel sold when adjusted for inflation, with real sales value falling from R41.7 billion to R39.3 billion.

This shift indicates drivers paid nearly 20% more in total while receiving fewer litres—a trend that has continued despite relatively stable wholesale prices throughout the period. Inland petrol prices for 95 unleaded fluctuated between R25.58 and R28.06 per litre between June and August 2026, while diesel ranged from R25.67 to R29.26. The data suggests high retail prices have forced drivers to cut back on non-essential travel, contributing to sustained declines in overall fuel consumption.

Discovery Insure’s analysis of transaction and telematics data shows trips and kilometres travelled dropped by 10% and 9%, respectively, in April 2026. By May, the declines had eased slightly to 8% for both metrics. However, after October’s fuel price surge pushed inland 95 unleaded above R30 per litre for the first time, trips fell another 6% and distances travelled declined by 7%.

Motorists now spend an average of R1,000 more per month on fuel than at the start of 2025, with monthly expenditure rising from R1,750 to between R2,500 and R2,700. Discovery Insure’s findings also show fuel purchases have shrunk by 33% in volume since October, with the average fill-up decreasing from about 36 litres to 31 litres. Smaller purchases under 20 litres now account for 36% of transactions, up from 25% in 2025, and nearly 40% of these occur around payday.

Drivers are also altering their refuelling patterns in response to anticipated price changes. The number of monthly visits to fuel stations increased from 2.4 to just over 3, regardless of whether prices were rising or falling. In October, purchases spiked by 300%, with diesel demand surging 400% before the month’s price adjustments took effect, a clear sign of panic-buying behaviour.