Pretoria motorists can breathe a small sigh of relief at the pumps this week – but only if they’re filling up with petrol.

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has confirmed that from Wednesday, August 6 2025, the price of 95 and 93 unleaded petrol will drop by 28 cents per litre.

However, diesel drivers are not so lucky, with a steep increase of up to 65 cents per litre set to take effect.

Fuel-saving tips from the AA:

• Stick to speed limits:
  Driving at 110km/h instead of 120km/h can help reduce fuel consumption.

• Avoid harsh acceleration:
  Pull away slowly from stops and avoid over-revving the engine. Light throttle use in automatic cars ensures earlier gear changes.

• Maintain focus on the road:
  Keeping a safe following distance helps maintain a steady speed and reduces unnecessary braking and fuel use.

• Use your car’s momentum:
  Build speed before uphill sections and ease off the accelerator when cresting to save fuel.

• Limit aircon use:
  Use it only when necessary, as it increases fuel consumption — though it’s still more efficient than driving with windows open at high speed.

• Don’t overload your car:
  Extra weight makes the engine work harder. Remove unused heavy items like roof or bike racks.

• Reduce idling time:
  Avoid letting your car idle for more than 30 seconds. Switch off when stationary and try to skip peak traffic when possible.

• Avoid short trips:
  Cold engines use more fuel. Combine errands and avoid unnecessary two-kilometre or shorter trips.

By following these simple habits, the AA says drivers can save on fuel costs and improve overall vehicle efficiency.

Also read: Serial killer fear grips Pretoria as fifth woman’s body found in Waltloo

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