Johannesburg — Motorists across South Africa will face higher fuel costs from Wednesday, December 3, as the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources officially announces the latest adjustments to petrol, diesel, and LPGas prices.
According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the price of petrol (both 93 and 95 ULP & LRP) will increase by 29 cents per litre, while diesel users will see sharper hikes of between 65.48 cents and 82.48 cents per litre, depending on the grade.
The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will rise by 74.48 cents per litre, and the maximum LPGas retail price will increase by 24 cents per kilogram at the coast and 9 cents per kilogram in the Western Cape.
Why the fuel price is increasing
Explaining the reasons for the hike, the department said fuel prices are reviewed monthly based on both international and local factors.
“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 64.14 US Dollars (USD) to 63.54 USD during the period under review. The main contributing factors are oversupply concerns due to increased production by OPEC+ and non-OPEC producers amid slower global demand,”
— Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, December 2025 Media Statement.
Despite a slight appreciation of the Rand (from R17.29 to R17.23 per USD), South Africa’s international petroleum product prices rose sharply. This was largely driven by lower inventories and refinery shutdowns in the northern hemisphere, which “resulted in higher refinery margins,” according to the department’s spokesperson Robert Maake.
“The reasons for these adjustments are that the average Brent crude oil prices decreased slightly during the period under review, and the rand appreciated against the dollar during the same period. The international product prices of petrol and diesel were also affected by lower inventories ahead of the winter season in the northern hemisphere, as well as the planned and unplanned refinery shutdowns in Europe as they prepare for their winter season,”
— Maake added.
Official adjustments (effective Wednesday, December 3, 2025)
| Fuel Type | Increase | Inland Price (Dec) | Coastal Price (Dec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP) | +29c/l | R21.26 | R20.47 |
| Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) | +29c/l | R21.41 | R20.58 |
| Diesel (0.05% Sulphur) | +65.48c/l | R19.78 | R18.95 |
| Diesel (0.005% Sulphur) | +82.48c/l | R20.02 | R19.26 |
| Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale) | +74.48c/l | R13.73 | R12.72 |
| LPGas (Gauteng) | +24c/kg | R34.22 | R30.97 (Coastal) |
Context: From relief to reversal
This latest increase reverses the brief reprieve motorists enjoyed in November, when petrol prices fell by up to 60c per litre. Earlier forecasts had predicted a milder December rise — as reflected in the October fuel price outlook — but stronger international product prices ultimately outweighed the Rand’s gains.
In recent months, South Africa’s fuel trends have closely mirrored international developments, with September’s brief decline in prices giving way to renewed upward pressure amid supply concerns.
Meanwhile, analysts say that despite interest rate cuts aimed at easing household pressure, the December fuel hikes will likely strain consumer budgets heading into the holiday travel season.
At a glance: What you’ll pay at the pump
- Petrol 95 (Inland): R21.41/litre
- Petrol 95 (Coastal): R20.58/litre
- Diesel 0.005% (Inland): R20.02/litre
- Diesel 0.005% (Coastal): R19.26/litre
While the diesel increase is notably larger, industry observers note it could have broader knock-on effects — particularly for logistics, agriculture, and electricity generation costs.
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