Fuel Prices vs. Previous Years
Despite the increase, the DoE notes that the Gauteng price for 95 ULP in April 2015 — R12.89/l — is still lower than the R14.39/l recorded in April 2014. However, this comparison hides a critical truth: the crude oil price has dropped dramatically.
Illuminating paraffin will increase by 36c/l, and LPG by 85c/kg.
The RAF levy rises from R1.04/l to R1.53/l — a massive 49c/l increase.
Now the Facts — By Omar Botha
Between 1 March and 23 March 2015, the crude oil price dropped by 10%.
- Crude oil on 1 March 2015: R3.64/l
- Crude oil on 23 March 2015: R3.30/l
- Fuel price on 4 March 2015 (93 Reef): R11.04/l
- Fuel price on 9 Feb 2015 (93 Reef): R10.09/l
In April 2014 the fuel price was R14.38 — crude oil was R5.76/l
In June 2013 the fuel price was R12.16 — crude oil was R5.27/l
How can government justify a R1.62 increase when oil is 60% cheaper than in 2013?
Fuel Price Composition (Jan–Feb 2015)
The table below shows the detailed breakdown of petrol and diesel pricing for Inland Zone 9C. It highlights how much of the pump price is made up of taxes, levies, margins, and distribution costs — many of which have nothing to do with the actual crude oil price.
| Component | Petrol 95 | Petrol 93 | Diesel 0.05% | Diesel 0.005% | Paraffin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Fuel Price (BFP) | 536.25 | 524.25 | 554.63 | 559.03 | 564.13 |
| Wholesale Margin | 33.50 | 33.50 | 64.70 | 64.70 | 64.70 |
| Service Cost Recoveries | 30.00 | 30.00 | 30.00 | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Storage & Handling | 17.40 | 17.40 | 17.40 | 17.40 | 17.40 |
| Distribution Cost | 12.60 | 12.60 | 12.60 | 12.60 | 12.60 |
| Dealer Margin | 151.10 | 151.10 | – | – | – |
| Fuel Levy | 224.50 | 224.50 | 209.50 | 209.50 | – |
| RAF Levy | 104.00 | 104.00 | 104.00 | 104.00 | – |
| Retail Price | 1127.00 | 1105.00 |
The data makes one thing clear: **South Africans are not paying for oil — they are paying for levies, margins, and government‑controlled components**. Even when crude oil becomes cheaper, the pump price can still rise sharply.
