Gas costs proceed to be a scorching subject in Southern Africa, and a fast comparability between South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe exhibits simply how a lot distinction a border could make.
Cross-border gas verify: Namibia vs South Africa
As of 20 October 2025, Namibia’s petrol value sits at R20.37 per litre. That is barely decrease than South Africa’s R21.22.
Diesel tells the same story — Namibians are paying R19.92, whereas South Africans are forking out R21.98 per litre.
Meaning South African motorists are paying about R1 to R2 extra per litre than their Namibian neighbours.
The distinction in gas costs won’t sound like a lot, however for long-distance drivers and transport operators, it provides up rapidly.
Namibians take pleasure in barely cheaper gas costs
So, what’s behind the hole? Namibia’s gas costs are partly cushioned by a smaller gas levy and extra secure forex actions towards the US greenback.
In the meantime, South Africa’s costs stay closely influenced by taxes, levies, and world oil developments, which regularly push pump costs larger.
Zimbabwe’s steep gas costs present regional distinction
Throughout the border in Zimbabwe, issues look even harder.
Motorists there are paying round ZWL$1,550 per litre, which interprets to roughly R28.68, one of many highest charges within the area.
For a lot of within the area, these value variations should not simply financial trivia, they affect cross-border journey, commerce, and even migration, as drivers and truckers typically refill the place it’s cheaper.
As gas value changes loom once more subsequent month, South Africans can be watching carefully — and possibly trying enviously north — as their Namibian neighbours proceed to pay rather less on the pump.
