South Africa January 2026 Fuel Price Update
The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has published the official fuel price adjustments effective from Wednesday, 7 January 2026. Motorists will see significant reductions in petrol and diesel prices following December’s fluctuations in oil prices and a stronger rand.
Price Adjustments
- 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
The decreases are mainly due to lower international product prices for petrol, diesel, and paraffin, as well as a stronger rand. The average Rand/US Dollar exchange rate improved from 17.2343 in the previous period to 16.8485 during 4 December 2025 – 1 January 2026.
Official Fuel Prices – December 2025 vs January 2026
| Fuel Type | Dec 2025 Inland (R/L) | Jan 2026 Inland (R/L) | Dec 2025 Coastal (R/L) | Jan 2026 Coastal (R/L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | R21.26 | R20.64 | R20.47 | R19.85 |
| Petrol 95 | R21.41 | R20.75 | R20.58 | R19.92 |
| Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) | R19.78 | R18.41 | R18.95 | R17.58 |
| Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) | R20.02 | R18.52 | R19.26 | R17.76 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R13.73 | R12.63 | R12.72 | R11.62 |
| LPGAS (Gauteng) | R34.22 | R34.43 | R30.97 | R31.17 |
| LPGAS (Saldanha) | R32.99* | R33.22 | ||
*Note: LPGAS increase of 23c/kg in Saldanha
Why Prices Changed
- Oil prices: Brent crude averaged $58–$63/barrel in December, impacting global fuel markets.
- Rand appreciation: The rand strengthened against the US dollar, reducing the Basic Fuel Price contribution for petrol, diesel, and paraffin.
- BFP Octane differential: Adjustments between 93 and 95 octanes affect retail pricing across zones.
Impact on Motorists
- Petrol users: Save 62–66c per litre, helping reduce travel and commuting costs.
- Diesel users: Benefit most, with wholesale reductions up to R1.50/L, significant for transport, agriculture, and logistics sectors.
- Paraffin: Prices down by R1.10/L, easing household heating and cooking costs.
- LPGAS: Minor increases of 21–23c/kg, slightly impacting cooking and heating costs.
Summary
January 2026 starts with a welcome reprieve for petrol and diesel users, thanks to a stronger rand and lower international fuel prices. While petrol savings are moderate, diesel users and paraffin consumers will feel a bigger impact, helping households and businesses manage fuel costs more efficiently at the start of the year.
Source: BT
