Number Of The Day | 52 cents | 3 August 2026
52 cents is today’s Number of the Day. Petrol prices fall by 52 cents per litre in August, but the relief is split: diesel rises by R1.23 or R1.38 per litre, depending on the grade. Gareth Edwards and Francis Herd explain how a reduction in the slate levy softened what could have been a far steeper adjustment, and why South Africa’s regulated fuel price does not move in step with the market every day.
The latest cut also looks smaller when placed against the longer journey. Inland petrol remains roughly R6 per litre above its February level, while more expensive diesel reaches far beyond diesel drivers. Farms, trucks, warehouses and retailers all depend on it to move goods through the economy. Petrol users get a welcome break at the pump, but the harder question is whether that saving survives once higher diesel costs begin travelling through the supply chain.
Catch up on all Number of the Day episodes here: https://www.enca.com/number-day-podcast
Chapter List
(00:00) Petrol Down 52c, Diesel Up R1.38
(01:11) What Is the Slate Levy?
(02:54) Why Petrol Is Still About R6 Higher
(04:18) How the Diesel Increase Reaches the Economy
(05:16) Should South Africa Reconsider Fuel Taxes?
