South Africa vs Namibia: Where is petrol cheaper after latest increase?

South African and Namibian motorists are facing higher petrol prices this month after both countries implemented sharp increases from Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

However, the gap between the two neighbours remains significant, particularly for South African motorists filling up at inland stations.

South Africa petrol price jumps above R30

In South Africa, the price of 95 unleaded petrol increased by R3.33 per litre from 7 October.

The new inland price is R30.25 per litre, up from R26.92 in September.

At coastal service stations, 95 petrol now costs R29.38 per litre, compared with R27.19 previously.

The increase represents one of the biggest monthly fuel-price shocks faced by motorists this year.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources attributed the increase largely to higher international oil prices and supply pressures.

According to the department, average Brent crude prices rose from US$87.89 to about US$101 during the review period, while uncertainty around oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and higher shipping costs also pushed up fuel costs.

South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly using international petroleum prices, the rand-dollar exchange rate and domestic taxes and levies.

Namibia petrol price also increases

Namibia has also raised the price of petrol by N$1.50 per litre from 7 October.

The price of 95 unleaded petrol at Walvis Bay is now N$26.58 per litre, while diesel prices were left unchanged at N$27.86 for 50ppm and N$27.96 for 10ppm.

Namibia’s Energy Minister Modestus Amutse said the increase was driven by higher international petroleum prices, increased shipping costs, supply disruptions and a weaker Namibia dollar.

Because the Namibian dollar is pegged to the South African rand, the N$26.58 petrol price is broadly equivalent to R26.58.

South Africa vs Namibia petrol prices

Country	September 95 petrol	October 95 petrol	Increase
South Africa – inland	R26.92	R30.25	R3.33
South Africa – coastal	R27.19	R29.38	R2.19
Namibia – Walvis Bay	N$25.08	N$26.58	N$1.50

This means a litre of 95 petrol at an inland South African station is R3.67 more expensive than at Walvis Bay in Namibia.

For a motorist buying 50 litres, that translates into roughly R183.50 more at the South African inland price.

The October increases have therefore narrowed neither country’s exposure to the global fuel shock, but the latest pump prices show a sizeable difference between the two neighbouring markets.