21/05/2026
Thought Leadership | What South African Motorists Should Know About Fuel Grades
With fuel costs continuing to rise, South African motorists are under growing pressure to manage everyday travel expenses without compromising vehicle performance.
One often overlooked choice is fuel grade.
For vehicles that can perform with 93‑octane unleaded petrol (ULP93), choosing ULP93 instead of 95‑octane (ULP95) can deliver meaningful savings over time, while meeting manufacturer performance requirements.
Recent media coverage has suggested that 93 octane unleaded petrol (ULP93) may be disappearing from the market. In reality, ULP93 continues to be produced and supplied in South Africa. Sasol produces ULP93 locally through an integrated fuels value chain, supporting reliable availability at service stations to meet ongoing demand. Sasol supplies ULP93 across the market, including to other fuel marketers.
Both Sasol Turbo™ ULP93 and Sasol Turbo™ ULP95 meet national fuel specifications (SANS 1598) and contain the same performance‑enhancing additives designed to keep engines clean and reduce friction. The key difference between the two fuels is octane rating. For vehicles designed to operate on ULP93, the fuel is functionally equivalent to ULP95 in terms of quality and engine protection.
Detailed analysis by Sasol, drawing on vehicle population data, manufacturer owner’s manuals and fuel‑filler specifications, indicates that a significant proportion of petrol vehicles operating inland are compatible with ULP93. This includes most Japanese brands, many European vehicles configured for inland conditions, a large share of Korean models specifying a minimum of 91 octane, and a growing number of Chinese brands typically requiring 92 octane.
Importantly, this compatibility is not limited to older vehicles. Many modern engines, including turbocharged models where the manufacturer specifies a minimum of 91 octane, are designed to operate safely and reliably on ULP93 under South African inland conditions. The same applies to a significant portion of the petrol minibus taxi fleet in operation.
The price difference between ULP93 and ULP95 is regulated and adjusted over time in line with international benchmarks. This differential has at times reached 46 cents per litre, reinforcing the long‑term value proposition of ULP93 for suitable vehicles.
Value at the pump is often reinforced through loyalty programmes like Sasol Rewards, where members earn 30 cents per litre in loyalty points on qualifying fuel purchases. In an environment of sustained inflationary pressure and rising fuel costs, this provides motorists with a tangible way to reduce everyday fuel expenditure over time.
This value proposition is further enhanced by fuel retailers’ partnerships with banks. Absa Rewards members who pay for fuel at Sasol using an Absa card can earn up to 30 percent real cash back, depending on their Absa Rewards Tier, in addition to their Sasol Rewards benefits. Absa has recently increased its fuel earn cap by R2 000 per month and introduced higher earn rates for lower tiers, providing additional relief during a period of heightened cost and travel pressures. Together, these benefits help ease one of the largest recurring expenses for many households, delivering immediate, meaningful value at the pump.
Motorists are encouraged to check their vehicle’s owner’s manual or the label inside the fuel flap. Where ULP93 or lower is compatible, choosing it at the next fill‑up is a simple, informed decision that can help reduce monthly fuel spend without compromising performance.
- Elri Volsteedt is Sasol’s Head of Customer Technical services
(Watch) - https://youtu.be/hdf1ZfAF850
