Here’s the official terrible petrol and diesel price news for December

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced the official fuel price adjustments that will take effect at midnight on Tuesday, 2 December, with motorists set to face increases across the board.

Oil prices traded in a relatively narrow band throughout November, averaging around $63 a barrel. Global markets were kept on edge as the United States continued to pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine, raising the possibility of either tighter sanctions or a softening of restrictions should negotiations progress.

Rand stable

The rand remained stable, hovering around R17.30 to the dollar for most of the month. A series of positive developments – including a credible national budget, a sovereign credit rating upgrade, and a general improvement in investor sentiment – helped offset the effects of a stronger dollar.

However, the combination of slightly higher oil prices and minimal currency movement pushed the fuel price balance into negative territory, triggering an increase for December.

From Tuesday at midnight, petrol car owners will see prices increase by 29 cents per litre, while diesel drivers will see a much larger hike between 65 and 82 cents per litre.

The steeper diesel increase will place added pressure on transport, agriculture, logistics and other diesel-dependent sectors as the festive season approaches.

FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:

1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices

2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products

Oil price

At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $63.00 a barrel.

Exchange rate

At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.13/$.

The new December 2025 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):