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Calculate your true fuel costs, see the impact of price changes, and make data-driven decisions for your fleet or business.
Most people don't properly understand how the diesel price is made up. It's not just supply and demand — there are government levies, margins, and regulated adjustments layered into every litre you buy.
The fuel price structure is complex. The DMRE (Department of Mineral Resources and Energy) states that South African fuel prices are adjusted according to official price structures and monthly regulatory processes.
The international cost of refined fuel based on global crude oil prices and the Rand/Dollar exchange rate. This is the starting point of your pump price.
A government tax used to fund the national fiscus. It is one of the largest components added to the base price and goes to National Treasury.
The Road Accident Fund levy pays for third-party road accident claims. Every driver contributes to this fund with every litre purchased.
An environmental tax introduced to reduce carbon emissions. It adds a fixed amount per litre to discourage fossil fuel consumption.
The margin allocated to oil companies for storage, distribution, and delivery of fuel from refineries to retail service stations.
A mechanism to recover over- or under-recoveries by oil companies when actual prices differ from the regulated price between adjustment windows.
The cost difference between inland and coastal prices due to transport costs from refineries and harbours to different regions across South Africa.
Why does this matter? Understanding the price structure helps you see that much of what you pay for fuel is non-negotiable — levies and taxes account for over 30% of the pump price. The part you can control is who you buy from, how you buy, and when you lock in pricing.
Calculate the total cost of a bulk diesel order including VAT, delivery, and how long your supply will last.
Use the price shown on your quote. Add VAT only when the entered price excludes VAT.
For transport companies: see your true daily, monthly, and per-km fuel costs — plus the impact of price changes.
See how a diesel price increase or decrease changes your costs. Enter a negative change to calculate savings.
Estimate diesel use from size, load and runtime. Assumes a 0.8 power factor and an approximate consumption curve; actual use, especially at low load, depends on your generator. Check its manufacturer data.
Work out your vehicle or equipment's fuel consumption in litres per 100 km. Enter the distance since your last fill and the litres used to refill — see your true running costs.
From one fill-up to the next
Litres to refill the tank
For monthly projections
Storing diesel on-site? Here's what you need to know to keep your fuel clean, your equipment running, and your operation compliant.
Bad diesel doesn't announce itself with a banner. It sneaks up on you through blocked filters, rough engines, and repair bills. Here's how to spot it before it costs you serious money.
Your engine starts misfiring, idling rough, or struggling to maintain consistent power. Contaminated fuel disrupts the combustion process — injectors can't atomise dirty fuel properly.
If you're replacing fuel filters more often than usual, that's a red flag. Sediment, microbial growth, and particulates clog filters fast. Two filter changes in a month? Your fuel is the problem.
Water and diesel don't mix — literally. You'll see separation in clear bowls or water traps. Water in your fuel system causes injector corrosion, microbial growth, and in winter, ice crystal formation.
Clean diesel is clear and amber-coloured. If it looks dark, murky, or has visible particles floating in it — don't use it. Sediment comes from tank rust, degraded fuel, or biological contamination.
Your vehicles or equipment losing power under load is a classic sign. Contaminated fuel can't deliver the same energy density, and partially blocked injectors reduce fuel delivery to the cylinders.
Black smoke means incomplete combustion. White or grey smoke can indicate water in the fuel. Blue smoke points to oil burning, but if it started after a fuel delivery — check the diesel first.
Contamination problems almost always trace back to poor sourcing, bad handling, or dirty storage. With Astro Fuel, you eliminate those risks at the source.
Sourced directly from major refineries. No middlemen, no mystery fuel, no blending.
Consistent quality from trusted supply chains. Every load meets SANS 342 specifications.
Dedicated tankers, trained drivers, and proper transfer procedures. Your fuel arrives the way it left the depot.
Astro Fuel gives commercial buyers transparent pricing, reliable delivery, and the market intelligence to make smart decisions.