South Africa December Fuel Prices Change: Petrol And Diesel Rise Despite Lower Crude Oil
December has seen a new round of fuel price increases in South Africa, which are a reflection of both domestic currency dynamics and...
Quick overview
- South Africa has implemented new fuel price adjustments effective December 3, 2025, due to global market pressures.
- Petrol prices have increased by 29 cents per litre, while diesel prices have risen by 65 to 82 cents per litre.
- Despite rising fuel costs, the South African rand has shown resilience against the US dollar, remaining close to R17.
- Households relying on alternative fuels will also face increased costs, with illuminating paraffin rising by 74 cents per litre.
December has seen a new round of fuel price increases in South Africa, which are a reflection of both domestic currency dynamics and pressures from the global market.
Official Adjustments Take Effect
The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed the latest fuel price changes, effective from Wednesday, 3 December 2025. These revisions had already begun filtering through the system, signaling another period of rising transport and household energy costs as the year draws to a close.
Oil Market Conditions
Throughout November, international oil prices moved within a tight band, with WTI crude hovering around the $60 per barrel mark. Growing diplomatic pressure from the United States on Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine contributed to volatility, and prices weakened a further $2–$3 in early December. Traders remained alert to the possibility of either tougher sanctions or a partial rollback if peace negotiations gained traction. At the same time, long-term projections continued to highlight an oversupplied market, reinforced by OPEC’s decision to maintain output levels.
Changes in Fuel Prices
- Petrol 93: Price rises by 29 cents per litre
- Petrol 95: Price rises by 29 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.05% (Wholesale): Price increases by 65 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.005% (Wholesale): Price increases by 82 cents per litre
- Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale): Price goes up by 74 cents per litre
- LPGAS (Gauteng): Price increases by 24 cents per kilogram
Impact on Local Fuel Costs
South African motorists now face price increases across several categories. Petrol rises by 29 cents per litre, while diesel users absorb steeper adjustments ranging from 65 to 82 cents per litre. Illuminating paraffin becomes nearly R1 more expensive, and LPG sees a 24-cent increase, adding pressure on households that rely on alternative fuels.
Currency Performance and Domestic Outlook
Despite these higher energy costs, the rand demonstrated resilience. USD/ZAR held close to the R17 level, hinting at a potential move stronger. Supportive factors—including a disciplined budget presentation, a credit rating upgrade, and improving investor sentiment—helped steady the currency. However, these positives were not enough to prevent the upward revisions at the pumps, leaving consumers to navigate higher fuel expenses as December progresses.
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