Inland fuel prices in South Africa are higher than coastal prices because fuel is transported from coastal ports and refineries to inland areas, and a transport differential is added by Magisterial District Zone. As an example, effective 1 July 2026, 95 unleaded petrol is R26.10 (2610.00 c/l) at the Gauteng benchmark versus R25.23 (2523.00 c/l) at the coastal benchmark, a difference of about 87 cents per litre. Prices vary by zone, so not every inland town matches the Gauteng benchmark, and diesel wholesale prices show a similar pattern.
This guide is part of our South African Fuel Prices hub.
Why inland fuel costs more
South Africa’s fuel is imported or refined mainly at the coast and then moved inland by pipeline, rail and road. The regulated price adds a transport differential for inland zones to reflect this cost, so the further inland a zone is, the higher the price tends to be.
The current gap (example using prices effective from 1 July 2026)
Effective 1 July 2026, 95 unleaded is R26.10 at the Gauteng benchmark and R25.23 at the coastal benchmark, about 87 cents per litre more inland. Diesel shows a similar pattern: the 500 ppm diesel wholesale price is 2478.77 c/l at the Gauteng benchmark and 2391.57 c/l at the coastal benchmark. These figures change at each monthly adjustment — see the full table in our current petrol and diesel prices guide.
Which areas are inland and which are coastal
Inland areas such as Gauteng, the Free State and Mpumalanga pay inland prices, while coastal cities such as Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha pay coastal prices. The DMPR publishes schedules for different Magisterial District Zones, so prices outside the displayed Gauteng and coastal benchmark areas may differ, and not every inland town matches the Gauteng benchmark exactly. To understand what makes up the difference, see how South African fuel prices are calculated.
Frequently asked questions
Why is petrol more expensive in Gauteng than at the coast?
Fuel is transported from coastal ports and refineries to inland areas, so a transport differential is added by Magisterial District Zone. This makes Gauteng benchmark prices higher than coastal benchmark prices.
How much more is inland fuel than coastal?
As an example, effective 1 July 2026, 95 unleaded petrol is R26.10 (2610.00 c/l) at the Gauteng benchmark and R25.23 (2523.00 c/l) at the coastal benchmark, about 87 cents per litre more inland. The gap changes at each monthly adjustment and varies by zone.
Which areas pay inland versus coastal prices?
Inland areas such as Gauteng, the Free State and Mpumalanga pay inland prices, while coastal areas such as Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha pay coastal prices. The exact price depends on the Magisterial District Zone, so not every inland town matches the Gauteng benchmark.
Do diesel prices also differ inland and coastal?
Yes. The regulated diesel wholesale price is higher inland than at the coast. Effective 1 July 2026 the 500 ppm diesel wholesale price is 2478.77 c/l at the Gauteng benchmark and 2391.57 c/l at the coastal benchmark. Retail diesel prices also vary by station.
Official sources
- Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR): fuel prices
- DMPR media statement: fuel prices effective 1 July 2026
- Fuels Industry Association of South Africa: current and past fuel prices
Verification and sources
Verification note: This guide was independently fact-checked against official support documentation. Learn more about our Editorial Policy & Financial Review Board and how our corporate finance team ensures accuracy and safety for South African consumers.