South African motorists will start the new year with welcome relief at the fuel pumps, as the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) points to significant fuel price decreases in early January.
After beginning December in negative territory, fuel price recoveries have strengthened steadily throughout the month.
Current projections indicate that 93-octane petrol could decrease by around 57 cents per litre, while 95-octane petrol is expected to drop by as much as 61 cents per litre.
Diesel users stand to benefit the most, with recoveries suggesting a price cut of up to R1.45 per litre.
Such a reduction would bring substantial savings for transport operators, businesses and consumers who rely heavily on diesel-powered vehicles.
Stronger rand, softer oil prices
The improved outlook is being driven largely by a stronger rand and softer global oil prices, both of which reduce the cost of importing fuel into South Africa.
Although more than a week remains before month-end fuel price calculations are finalised, current market trends suggest that fuel price over-recoveries could strengthen further if the rand continues to hold firm and oil prices remain subdued.
The final fuel price adjustments for January will be announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in the coming days.
When confirmed, the cuts will provide much-needed financial relief to households and businesses at the start of 2026, easing pressure on transport costs and the broader cost of living.
Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF):
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | decrease of 57 cents |
| Petrol 95 | decrease of 61 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | decrease of 133 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | decrease of 145 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | decrease of 106 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 57 cents per litre is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and a decrease of 61 cents for 95 users is anticipated.
Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something between a 133 and 145 cents per litre decrease.
Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to drop by 106 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 $61.20 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.60/$.
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.
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 |
