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Insights for people who buy energy.
Practical analysis of fuel prices, regulation, procurement and supply — written for procurement teams, wholesalers and operators across South Africa.
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Markets · 5 min read
October 2026 fuel price adjustment: what changed and why
Petrol rose to R30.25 a litre inland and diesel by up to R3.24 on 7 October 2026. We explain the drivers — Brent, product prices, the rand and the slate levy — and what buyers should do next.
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Regulation · 6 min read
How South Africa’s fuel price is calculated
A clear guide to the Basic Fuel Price, levies, margins and transport costs that make up every litre of petrol and diesel sold in South Africa.
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Regulation · 4 min read
The slate levy explained
What the fuel price slate is, why the slate levy rises when the balance turns negative, and how it affects the price of petrol and diesel.
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Markets · 4 min read
Brent vs WTI: which oil benchmark matters for South Africa?
The difference between the Brent and WTI crude benchmarks, why Brent is the reference for most African fuel pricing, and how crude relates to the price of diesel and petrol.
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Markets · 4 min read
How the rand–dollar exchange rate moves your fuel bill
Fuel is priced in US dollars. Here is how movements in the rand feed through to petrol, diesel and paraffin prices in South Africa — and how buyers can plan for it.
Read the articleSupply · 5 min read
Why South Africa imports more of its fuel — and why it matters
With several coastal refineries no longer operating, South Africa relies increasingly on imported refined fuel. What that means for pricing, supply security and commercial buyers.
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Products · 5 min read
Diesel 50ppm vs 10ppm: what buyers need to know
The difference between 50ppm and 10ppm diesel, which engines need low-sulphur fuel, how the price gap works and how to choose the right grade for your fleet or plant.
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Regulation · 5 min read
Clean Fuels 2: what it means for fleets and plant
South Africa’s Clean Fuels 2 regulations will tighten sulphur, benzene and other fuel specifications. The timeline, what changes and how commercial fuel users can prepare.
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Procurement · 6 min read
A procurement checklist for bulk diesel
Ten questions every procurement team should ask before appointing a bulk diesel supplier — from licensing and quality to delivery, pricing and B-BBEE.
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Procurement · 4 min read
Spot vs term fuel supply: choosing the right contract
Should you buy fuel on the spot market or under a term contract? A practical comparison of price, security and flexibility for commercial fuel buyers.
Read the articleTrading · 5 min read
Incoterms in fuel trading: FOB, CFR, CIF and DAP explained
Who pays for freight, insurance and risk in an international fuel cargo? A plain-English guide to the Incoterms most used in petroleum trading.
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Regulation · 5 min read
Petroleum wholesale licences in South Africa: a practical guide
Who needs a petroleum wholesale licence, what the Controller of Petroleum Products looks for, and how licensed wholesalers can secure reliable supply.
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Regulation · 5 min read
The SARS diesel refund: who qualifies and how it works
The diesel refund scheme lets qualifying primary producers claim back part of the fuel and RAF levies. Who qualifies, what records SARS expects and common pitfalls.
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Operations · 5 min read
On-site fuel storage: the compliance basics
Storing diesel on site? The standards, permits and good practices South African businesses should know, from tank design to spill containment.
Read the articleProducts · 4 min read
Fuel quality and contamination: protecting your engines
Water, microbes and particulates can damage expensive equipment. How diesel becomes contaminated, how to detect it and how to prevent it.
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Products · 5 min read
Jet A-1 and AVGAS: aviation fuels explained
The difference between Jet A-1 and AVGAS, which aircraft use each, the quality standards that apply and what operators should expect from an aviation fuel supplier.
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Products · 4 min read
LPG for industry: applications, supply and pricing
How manufacturers, hospitality and commercial users use LPG, how its price is regulated in South Africa and what to consider before switching.
Read the articleProducts · 4 min read
Illuminating paraffin: uses, safety and regulated pricing
Illuminating paraffin remains an important household and industrial fuel in South Africa. How it is priced, who uses it and the safety practices distributors should follow.
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Products · 4 min read
Biofuels in South Africa: policy and practical blending
Where South Africa stands on biofuels, how biodiesel blending works in practice and what commercial fleets should consider before using blended fuels.
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Upstream · 5 min read
Upstream logistics: how offshore supply chains keep projects moving
Exploration and production depend on a precise supply chain of vessels, bases, equipment and waste handling. How upstream logistics works and what operators look for in partners.
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