Botswana charges less for fuel despite importing from SA, South Africans debate how it’s possible

• Botswana's petrol price is R8.39 cheaper per litre than South Africa's, despite the country importing most of its fuel from SA
• South Africa's petrol price crossed R30 per litre in October 2026, reaching a historic high amid global pressure
• Botswana has not adjusted its fuel prices since July 2026, sparking a debate online about how it was possible

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has spent a decade reporting on South Africa's political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online journalism.

Botswana currently charges significantly less for petrol and diesel than South Africa, even though it sources most of its fuel from its southern neighbour.

As of October 2026, South African motorists are paying over R30 per litre for petrol, with the wholesale diesel price reaching R33.29 per litre — figures that represent historic highs driven by global market conditions and rand volatility.

Meanwhile, Botswana consumers pay 1,821 thebe, equivalent to R21.86 per litre, for 95 unleaded petrol. The gap between the two countries now stands at R8.39 per litre.

Botswana's prices frozen since July 2026

Botswana's most recent fuel price adjustment was a reduction announced on 6 July 2026, which lowered the retail cost of petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin. Since then, prices have remained unchanged, even as South Africa's prices have climbed month after month.

The country's fuel prices are regulated by the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA), which does not follow a fixed adjustment schedule. Unlike South Africa, where prices are reviewed monthly in line with global benchmarks and currency movements, BERA only intervenes when it considers a change necessary.

Earlier in 2026, the Botswana government also suspended three fuel-related levies — the Fuel Levy, the Road Fund Levy, and the Security of Supply Margin — in a deliberate effort to cushion consumers against rising global prices.

All three levies have since been reinstated, though BERA confirmed the reinstatement did not trigger any immediate change to retail petrol prices.

South Africans weigh in on Botswana's fuel prices

South Africans reacted sharply to the comparison on social media.

Martin Visser wrote:

"Because Botswana isn't being looted by the ANC."

Bevan Paul Stellmacher commented:

"SA is the most taxed country in Africa. Similar to developed countries, but we don't have the same benefits of this heavy taxation that developed countries have."

Dumisani James questioned:

"So how much are we selling it to Botswana if Botswana can resell it cheaper? This doesn't add up."

Julian Coetzee echoed the sentiment:

"Why would we sell fuel to Botswana? They are selling fuel for how much? But we're all paying R30 per litre. Why?"

Jose DB Rebelo added:

"Let Uncle Cyril open a commission to understand why."

Joe Black stated:

"There's no out-of-control corruption in Botswana."

President Cyril Ramaphosa discusses fuel price relief

Briefly News also highlighted facts about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s consideration of further fuel-price relief.

The government spent about R24 billion on a previous fuel subsidy, while Parliament has advanced a proposed R10 billion allocation for debate.

Any new relief could mean taking money from other state programmes in an effort to prevent rising costs from putting pressure on households and businesses.

Source: Briefly News