Fuel prices going up: Here’s what you’re likely to pay for petrol and diesel from Wednesday, December 3
October's fuel price adjustments will be moderate.
Image: David Ritchie / Independent Newspapers
After a relatively stable year for fuel prices, South Africans will have to dig a little deeper in December, with petrol and diesel prices set to increase.
Month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows that 95 Unleaded petrol is likely to increase by 25 cents, while 93 Unleaded will go up by 20 cents. Diesel is set for more significant hikes, with 500ppm predicted to increase by 64 cents and 50ppm by 81 cents.
From next Wednesday, you can expect to pay around R20.54 for a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol at the coast and R21.37 in the inland areas, where 93 Unleaded will cost around R21.17. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel will rise to around R19.23 at the coast and R19.99 inland.
Keep in mind that these predictions are based on unaudited data, and the final price adjustments for December could differ. Expect these to be announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources early next week.
The December fuel price increases come as a result of higher international product prices. A slightly stronger rand has lent relief to the situation, lowering the potential price increase by around three cents.
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Brent Crude oil prices remained relatively stable through November, reaching a high of $65 per barrel on November 11 before softening into the $62-63 range in the latter part of the month. Brent Crude averaged $64.14 during the previous review period.
But why is diesel increasing at a faster rate? Diesel prices usually face upward pressure in the latter part of the year due to the colder weather in the northern hemisphere. This drives up demand for heating oil, which is derived from the same crude oil components as diesel.
December's increases follow price cuts of 51 cents for petrol and 21 cents for diesel in November.
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South African fuel prices have remained relatively stable throughout 2025. For instance, December’s projected petrol price of R20.54 for 95 Unleaded is still 26 cents cheaper than it was in January 2025. However, 50ppm will be around 55 cents more expensive.
IOL Motoring