How trip fuel cost is calculated
Litres = distance (km) × consumption (L/100km) ÷ 100 Fuel cost = litres × price per litre Cost per person = fuel cost ÷ number of people
Fuel prices used: November 2026 (from 4 November 2026)
| Fuel | Inland (Gauteng) | Coastal |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | R29.87 | — |
| Petrol 95 | R30.24 | R29.37 |
| Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) | R30.85 | R29.98 |
| Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) | R31.60 | R30.83 |
Getting a more accurate figure
Real-world consumption depends on speed, load, air-conditioning, tyre pressure and traffic. Highway driving at 120 km/h typically uses more fuel than the manufacturer’s combined figure, and stop-start city driving uses more again. Use the comparison table to see the range.
Worked examples
Johannesburg to Durban and back
A 1 140 km round trip at 7 L/100km uses about 80 litres of 95 petrol. Split three ways it is about R800 each at November 2026 inland prices.
Breakdown
- Distance
- 1140 km (return)
- Litres needed1140 km × 7 ÷ 100
- 79.8 L
- Price per litre OfficialPetrol 95 (ULP), inland, November 2026
- R30.24
- Total fuel cost
- R2 413.15
- Each of 3 people pays
- R804.38
Daily commute of 40 km each way in a bakkie
80 km a day at 10 L/100km uses 8 litres of diesel. Multiply by about 21 working days for a monthly fuel budget.
Breakdown
- Distance
- 80 km (return)
- Litres needed80 km × 10 ÷ 100
- 8 L
- Price per litre OfficialDiesel 0.005% (50 ppm), inland, November 2026 (wholesale)
- R31.60
- Total fuel cost
- R252.80
Frequently asked questions
How often do fuel prices change?
Petrol prices are adjusted every month, normally on the first Wednesday, based on international oil prices, the rand/dollar exchange rate and levies. Balawise updates its prices when the new month’s official prices are announced.
Why is fuel cheaper at the coast?
Inland prices include the cost of transporting fuel from the coastal refineries and ports. Official petrol prices are quoted for Gauteng (inland) and the coast; towns in between pay slightly different amounts.
Why might diesel cost more at my filling station?
The government regulates the retail price of petrol but only the wholesale price of diesel. Filling stations set their own diesel pump prices, so use the optional price field if yours differs.
How do I find my car’s fuel consumption?
Check your trip computer, or fill the tank, reset the trip meter, drive normally and fill up again. Litres used ÷ kilometres driven × 100 is your consumption in L/100km.
How should a lift club split fuel costs?
The simplest fair split is the total fuel cost divided by everyone in the car, including the driver. Some lift clubs add a small amount for wear and tear and tolls.