South African motorists can look forward to welcome relief at the pumps in the new year, with the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) pointing to notable fuel price cuts.
After beginning December in negative territory, petrol price recoveries have strengthened significantly over the course of the month.
Current projections suggest a decrease of around 43 cents per litre for 93-octane petrol and up to 48 cents per litre for 95-octane petrol.
Diesel users are set to benefit even more, with recoveries indicating a substantial price cut of as much as R1.33 per litre.
Stronger rand, softer oil prices
The improved fuel price outlook is largely driven by a stronger rand and softer global oil prices, both of which are working in favour of lower local fuel costs.
While more than a week remains before month-end calculations are finalised, current trends suggest that fuel price over-recoveries could strengthen further if prevailing market conditions persist.
Final fuel price adjustments will be announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ahead of the new year.
Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF):
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | decrease of 43 cents |
| Petrol 95 | decrease of 48 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | decrease of 122 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | decrease of 133 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | decrease of 96 cents |
If the market conditions were to remain consistent for the remainder of the month – an unlikely scenario with the rand/dollar exchange rate fluctuating and the oil price ever changing – a decrease of 43 cents per litre is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and a decrease of 48 cents for 95 users is anticipated.
Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something between a 122 and 133 cents per litre decrease.
Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to drop by 96 cents in price.
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 $62.52 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.64/$.
The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed later in the month with the new prices taking effect at midnight on Tuesday, 6 January, although it may be possible the price changes will take place on Tuesday, 30 December.
The current December 2025 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):
| INLAND | December |
| Petrol 93 | R21.26 |
| Petrol 95 | R21.41 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R19.78 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R20.02 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R13.72 |
| COASTAL | December |
| Petrol 93 | R20.47 |
| Petrol 95 | R20.58 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R18.95 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R19.26 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.71 |
