Tipping petrol attendants: What is standard practice?

John Maytham speaks with Lebo Ramolahloane, National Vice and Regional Chairperson of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA).

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

Petrol attendants are an essential part of many people’s routines.

They do more than just fill our tanks, they will check oil, water, tire pressure, and even clean your windows.

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However, people do not always think about giving them a tip for their service.

According to SAPRA, tipping is customary, and the average tip ranges from R5 to R20.

However, they say it is a complex issue as some filling stations frown upon tipping, while other are in favour of it.

At some filling stations they do not give an option to tip when paying with a card which will of course have an impact.

However, Ramolhloane says if you are going to tip, cash is preferable as it goes straight to the attendant.

“We would recommend that motorists continue tipping petrol attendants with cash.”

- Lebo Ramolahloane, National Vice and Regional Chairperson of SAPRA

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.