Drivers Shell Out 54% More to Refuel Their Tanks

November 2, 2026 dailymirror Monthly fuel costs for South Africans have risen to between R2 500 and R2 700, according to data collected by Discovery Insure from its client base.

Thanks to the insurer’s cashback program that monitors clients’ driving habits through telematics, it possesses valuable insights into their fuel expenditures.

Discovery Insure reported a staggering increase of 43% to 54% in monthly fuel expenses compared to early 2025, when the average monthly spend was R1 750.

The price of inland 95 unleaded petrol surged from R20.75 per liter in January 2026 to R30.25 per liter by October 2026.

The escalating costs of fuel and taxi fares have restricted consumers’ disposable income, influencing their expenditures on clothing, fast food, and entertainment. SAB CEO Richard Rivett-Carnac even shared with Business Day that beer sales have seen a downturn. These increased petrol prices are likely to contribute to food inflation, as mentioned by Boxer CEO in an interview with Moneyweb, although the precise effects remain uncertain.

Read:Energy prices fuel inflation concernsSouth Africa’s fuel prices reaching new peaks post-oil shockWe may be entering a ‘new normal’ with adjustments to oil price volatility

While drivers are changing their fuel buying behaviors, their daily driving patterns have largely remained stable, according to Discovery’s findings, since commuting to work and school is necessary.

In April, the number of trips decreased by 10% and the kilometers driven fell by 9%. Excluding the Easter weekend, both trips and distances still showed an 8% decline. By May, drivers were traveling 9% less distance compared to the period prior to the price hikes.

However, according to Discovery Insure, maintaining these reductions proved challenging as driving behaviors returned to normal shortly thereafter.

From June to September 2026, trips taken and kilometers traveled slightly exceeded the figures from the same period in 2025.

Following the fuel price increase in October, trips once again dropped by 6%, and kilometers driven fell by 7%.

What drivers have cut back on is discretionary travel. Discovery Insure reported a notable 30% decrease in long-distance trips during the winter months.

Although Discovery clients have been unable to reduce essential commuting, data from the National Treasury suggests that overall fuel expenditures are lower than expected.

In the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on October 21 (MTBPS), Treasury director-general Duncan Pieterse noted that he anticipated collecting R30 million less in fuel levies for the 2026/2027 financial year due to approximately R22 million designated for fuel levy relief from April to June and a decline in gas purchases by motorists.

Read:Government fuel intervention alleviates pressure on driversFamous Brands navigates challenging trading conditions despite some price cutsGodongwana reduces fuel levies

Data from Discovery indicates that consumers are visiting petrol stations more frequently in anticipation of price increases, with average monthly visits rising from 2.4 to just over 3. Each visit results in less money spent on fuel.

Discovery highlights that this trend of smaller purchases occurs irrespective of whether fuel prices are rising or falling, showing that motorists are adjusting their refueling strategies in anticipation of price changes rather than simply rushing to fill up before an increase.

“Motorists are clearly feeling the impact of rising fuel prices and are becoming more deliberate about their refueling habits,” says Robert Attwell, CEO of Discovery Insure.

“We are observing an increase in smaller fuel purchases, particularly surrounding price changes as individuals look for ways to manage their costs.”

Nonetheless, some consumers still engage in panic buying ahead of anticipated price hikes. In October, the volume of fuel purchases surged by 300% just before midnight on Tuesday, October 6.

Read:More panic buying expected as record fuel prices loomReintroduction of fuel levy relief ‘will have repercussions’ for TreasuryIncreased expenses for consumers and less for other needs

Diesel purchases experienced a 400% increase. This is reminiscent of the May surge, where purchases also rose by 300% and diesel jumped by 450%, far exceeding the usual 200% increase typically seen during price hikes.

The fuel levy will be cut by R3 per liter for diesel and R1.50 per liter for petrol from November 4 until December 1, 2026, with ongoing relief until January 5.

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