Lower Oil Prices Set To Ease Petrol Costs For Sa Motorists

South African drivers can look forward to some relief at the fuel pumps in April, as a decline in global oil prices is expected to bring down the cost of petrol.

The latest forecasts indicate a potential 95-cent-per-litre price drop, offering much-needed financial relief after months of price hikes, as first reported by Daily Investor .

Investec chief economist Annabel Bishop noted that the price of Brent crude oil has decreased significantly in 2025, averaging 75 per barrel so far this year-down from 81 per barrel in the same period last year. The reduction in oil prices has contributed to a downward trend in fuel costs, reversing the increases seen in the first two months of the year.

South Africa, which imports most of its refined petroleum products, is directly impacted by international oil price fluctuations. The recent dip in prices has been influenced by multiple global factors, including shifts in US trade policy. The United States has imposed higher tariffs on goods from China, as well as on steel and aluminium products. The Biden administration is also investigating the impact of copper imports on national security, citing concerns over dependence on foreign suppliers for critical materials used in defense, infrastructure, and clean energy technology.

This economic uncertainty has led to expectations of slower global growth, which, in turn, has dampened demand for energy, including oil. Lower demand has contributed to the moderation of oil prices, helping to bring down fuel costs in countries like South Africa.