Petrol prices: latest updates, what affects them and how to save

Are petrol prices up again? You're not alone — fuel costs affect household budgets, business transport and food prices. This page gathers the latest news, explains why prices move, and gives clear, practical steps you can take to pay less at the pump.

How petrol prices are set

Global crude oil is the starting point. When crude goes up, refining and import costs usually follow. For many African countries, the exchange rate matters next: a weaker local currency makes imported fuel more expensive. Add taxes, fuel levies and distribution margins set by governments and oil companies, and you get the pump price.

In some places, the government adjusts prices monthly. For example, South Africa publishes fuel price changes on the first Wednesday of every month based on international rates, refining costs and the rand’s strength. Other countries use weekly or monthly reviews, or keep prices fixed with subsidies. Policy changes — like new fuel taxes or subsidy cuts — can cause sudden jumps, so watch official statements from your energy or finance ministry.

Where to get reliable price updates

Trust official sources first: national energy departments, central banks and finance ministries post price changes and reasons. Local news sites and our tag pages collect those releases and explain what they mean. For quick checks before you drive out, use local price-comparison apps and websites that crowdsource pump prices in real time. They show where the cheapest stations are near you and often list past trends so you can spot patterns.

Businesses should watch wholesale and futures markets too. Logistics and fleet operators can lock prices or buy futures to manage risk. Households should scan for subsidy or relief announcements, especially before elections or big budget changes — those are common times for policy shifts.

If you follow petrol price stories, focus on three signals: crude oil trend, your currency moves, and any pending tax or subsidy decisions. Those usually point to whether prices will rise, fall, or stay flat over the next month.

Practical tips to cut your fuel bill

Small changes add up fast. Keep your tyres properly inflated and remove roof racks when not needed — both improve fuel economy. Combine errands into one trip and avoid heavy idling. Use cruise control on highways, and accelerate smoothly rather than floor the pedal. If you can, carpool, use public transport for part of your commute, or try a bike for short trips.

Shop around. Different stations have different prices even in the same area. Use price apps to find cheap pumps and fill up when prices dip or when your local currency is stronger. If you run a business, consider fuel cards, negotiated station discounts, or moving to a more fuel-efficient vehicle to cut long-term costs.

Want instant updates? Bookmark this tag and subscribe to alerts from trusted local sources. We’ll flag major policy changes, monthly adjustments and big-market moves so you can plan ahead and spend less time worrying at the pump.

Need a quick tip for today? Check tyre pressure, close loose windows at speed, and compare two nearby stations before you fill up — those three actions often save you more than you expect.