PitStops app targets relief for motorists facing diesel hike

For illustrative purposes only. Apps on an iPhone. Picture: iStock With petrol prices expected to rise due to the United States and Israel’s Middle East conflict, pressure is mounting on motorists and the freight logistics industry.

Analysts caution that if the conflict continues, South Africa could even face fuel shortages. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) said on Tuesdayevening that it remains in contact with oil companies to ensure supply stability, but uncertainty persists. Technology is emerging as one possible way to ease the strain.

Several mobile applications now allow motorists to compare diesel prices, which are unregulated and can vary by R2 to R5 between filling stations in the same suburb. PitStops, for example, provides users with options within a 10km radius and updates thousands of diesel prices monthly. “With more than 4 200 prices meticulously updated each month, this innovative app promises some relief by enabling consumers to make more informed fill-ups,” said PitStops.

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PitStops is currently available as a web appwith subscriptions starting at R35 per month, and is expected to launch soon on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Other platforms, including myTank, Petrol Price SA, and Fillapp, also offer comparisons, real-time updates, and, in some cases, integrate loyalty rewards. MyTank specialises in finding the best value for diesel, including tracking ATM details and rewards programs, while Petrol Price SA provides real-time updates on fuel prices across various fuel types nationwide. Fillapp offers fuel price predictions and notifications for when prices are about to change.

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