South African motorists will face higher fuel costs in December, with both petrol and diesel prices expected to climb next week, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), as referenced by BusinessTech, shows that fuel under-recoveries persisted throughout November, with global oil prices outweighing the slight strengthening of the rand.
According to the CEF, petrol is showing an under-recovery of between 20c and 26c per litre, while diesel is facing a sharper shortfall of between 76c and 93c per litre. This aligns with updated projections cited in a second industry report, which notes that petrol is likely to rise by 19c to 42c per litre, and diesel by 72c to 89c per litre, when December’s adjustments take effect.
These increases follow November’s welcome cuts of 51c for petrol and 21c for diesel.
Projected adjustments for December:
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Petrol 93: +19c to +20c per litre
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Petrol 95: +24c to +26c per litre
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Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): +60c to +72c per litre
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Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): +77c to +89c per litre
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Illuminating paraffin: +68c per litre
Despite the hike, December’s inland price for 95 Unleaded (R20.54) remains about 26c lower than it was in January 2025. Diesel, however, continues to trend higher, with 50ppm set to be roughly 55c more expensive than at the start of the year.
Global oil prices have been particularly volatile during November. Brent crude averaged $64.14 per barrel, driven by shifting supply expectations and winter heating demand in the northern hemisphere, which typically pushes diesel prices up more sharply.
According to BusinessTech, the rand’s recovery — briefly strengthening to below R17/$ following South Africa’s medium-term budget policy statement and an S&P Global ratings upgrade — provided only marginal relief. Exchange-rate gains contributed to a positive over-recovery of around 4c per litre, but this was overshadowed by a 24c to 81c per litre under-recovery caused by climbing international product prices.
Oil markets also remain sensitive to geopolitical pressure. Analysts warn that any shift in US-Russia relations or changes to OPEC+ production could further disrupt supply dynamics.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will confirm the official fuel price adjustments early next week, ahead of the changes kicking in on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.
Motorists are advised to plan for pricier festive-season travel as both petrol and diesel gear up for significant increases heading into the final month of the year.
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Picture: Engin Akyurt / Unsplash
