The latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) suggests that South African motorists can expect welcome fuel price cuts at the pumps in the new year.
After starting December in negative territory, petrol price recoveries have strengthened significantly, with current projections pointing to a decrease of between 31 (93 octane) and 35 (95 octane) cents per litre.
Meanwhile, diesel vehicle owners are set to benefit even more, with recoveries indicating a substantial price cut of more than R1 per litre.
Stronger rand, softer oil prices
The improved outlook is largely driven by a stronger rand and softer global oil prices, both of which are working in favour of local fuel costs.
While more than a week remains before month-end calculations are finalised, current trends suggest that fuel price over-recoveries are likely to strengthen further if prevailing market conditions hold.
Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF):
| FUEL | PRICE CHANGE |
| Petrol 93 | decrease of 31 cents |
| Petrol 95 | decrease of 35 cents |
| Diesel 0.05% | decrease of 110 cents |
| Diesel 0.005% | decrease of 120 cents |
| Illuminating Paraffin | decrease of 85 cents |
If the market conditions were to remain consistent for the remainder of the month – an unlikely scenario with the rand/dollar exchange rate fluctuating and the oil price ever changing – a decrease of 31 cents per litre is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and a decrease of 35 cents for 95 users is anticipated.
Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something between a 110 and 120 cents per litre decrease.
Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to drop by 85 cents in price.
FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:
1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices
2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products
Oil price
At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $60.24 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.78/$.
The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed later in the month with the new prices taking effect at midnight on Tuesday, 6 January.
The current December 2025 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):
| INLAND | December |
| Petrol 93 | R21.26 |
| Petrol 95 | R21.41 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R19.78 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R20.02 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R13.72 |
| COASTAL | December |
| Petrol 93 | R20.47 |
| Petrol 95 | R20.58 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R18.95 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R19.26 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.71 |