December 2025 Fuel Price Outlook: Motorists Face Increases
South African motorists should prepare for higher fuel costs in December 2025, as mid‑month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) points to price hikes across petrol, diesel, and paraffin.
Predicted Adjustments
- Petrol 93: +14 cents per litre
- Petrol 95: +19 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): +68 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): +82 cents per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: +73 cents per litre
These figures are provisional and may shift before the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announces final prices at month‑end.
November Fuel Prices vs December Forecasted Fuel Prices 2025
| Fuel Type | Nov 2025 Inland (R/L) | Nov 2025 Coastal (R/L) | Dec 2025 Inland (Forecast, R/L) | Dec 2025 Coastal (Forecast, R/L) | Expected Change Inland (c/l) | Expected Change Coastal (c/l) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 95 | R21.12 | R20.29 | R21.31 | R20.48 | +19 | +19 |
| Petrol 93 | R20.97 | R20.18 | R21.11 | R20.32 | +14 | +14 |
| Diesel 0.05% (500 ppm, wholesale) | R19.13 | R18.30 | R19.81 | R18.98 | +68 | +68 |
| Diesel 0.005% (50 ppm, wholesale) | R19.20 | R18.44 | R20.02 | R19.26 | +82 | +82 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.98 | R11.97 | R13.71 | R12.70 | +73 | +73 |
Global Drivers Behind the Increase
- Oil prices rising: Brent crude is trading around $64 per barrel, up from below $60 in October. The surge is linked to US sanctions on Russian oil and renewed global demand.
- Rand fluctuations: The rand briefly strengthened to R17/$, its best level in three years, but has since slipped back. While a stronger rand cushions fuel hikes, its impact is limited unless sustained.
- Diesel pressure: Diesel users face the steepest increases due to refinery constraints in Europe and the US and higher global demand.
Impact on Motorists
- Petrol users: The increase is modest compared to earlier months, meaning holiday travel costs may remain manageable.
- Diesel users: Expect a significant hit, with hikes nearly four times higher than petrol. Transport operators, agriculture, and logistics sectors will feel this most.
- Paraffin users: Household budgets will tighten, as paraffin—widely used for cooking and heating—also rises sharply.
The Bigger Picture
Analysts caution that while OPEC’s increased production could prevent a long‑term supply crunch, sanctions on Russia remain a wildcard. For South Africa, which imports most of its petroleum products, this global volatility translates directly into higher local prices.
In summary: December 2025 will bring moderate petrol hikes but sharp diesel increases, driven by global oil market pressures and a rand that has lost momentum. Motorists should prepare for tighter budgets, especially those reliant on diesel.
