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Motorists across South Africa are set to experience welcome relief at the fuel pumps starting Wednesday, 7 January 2026, reports Cape {town} Etc.

This follows the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, signalling a change that could greatly impact budgets as citizens grapple with ongoing economic challenges.

In December, global oil prices fluctuated between $58 and $63 per barrel, and the South African Rand ended the year on a more favourable note. This combination has facilitated a stronger over-recovery in fuel prices, leading to substantial cuts for both petrol and diesel that will take effect in the new year.

From Wednesday, petrol users will see prices dip by 62-66 cents per litre, while diesel drivers will benefit even more, with reductions between 137 and 150 cents per litre. The changes are outlined in the table below:

  • Petrol 93: decrease of 62 cents per litre
  • Petrol 95: decrease of 66 cents per litre
  • Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): decrease of 137 cents per litre
  • Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): decrease of 150 cents per litre
  • Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale): decrease of 110 cents per litre
  • LPGAS (Gauteng): increase of 21 cents per kg

During this period, average international product prices for petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin saw a notable decrease.

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This appreciation contributed to a general reduction in the Basic Fuel Prices across the board.

In accordance with established protocols for determining Basic Fuel Prices (BFP), adjustments are made quarterly.

With changes to the octane differential during the previous quarter, motorists will note variations in retail prices between 95 and 93 petrol octanes across different fuel-pricing zones beginning in January.

Here is how the adjustments will reflect at the pumps, noting that diesel prices represent wholesale costs and will differ at retail:

Inland Changes

  • 93 Petrol: December Official R21.26 → January Official R20.64
  • 95 Petrol: December Official R21.41 → January Official R20.75
  • Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): December R19.78 → January R18.41
  • Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): December R20.02 → January R18.52
  • Illuminating Paraffin: December R13.73 → January R12.63
  • LPGAS (per kg): December R34.22 → January R34.43

Coastal Changes

  • 93 Petrol: December Official R20.47 → January Official R19.85
  • 95 Petrol: December Official R20.58 → January Official R19.92
  • Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): December R18.95 → January R17.58
  • Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): December R19.26 → January R17.76
  • Illuminating Paraffin: December R12.72 → January R11.62
  • LPGAS: December R30.97 → January R31.17
  • LPGAS (Salanha): December R32.99 → January R33.22

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Also read:

November fuel cuts announced: Petrol drops 51c at midnight

Picture: Gallo Images / Misha Jordaan

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