Cape Town – South Africans may face higher fuel costs this festive season, with petrol and diesel prices expected to rise in December.
The Central Energy Fund (CEF) forecasts petrol increases of around 19–30 c/l for 93‑ and 95‑octane, while diesel is expected to rise by 69–85 c/l depending on sulphur content.
Paraffin could also jump by 75 c/l. This marks a negative end to an otherwise mostly stable 2025, with petrol still cheaper than at the start of the year, but diesel ending higher than January levels.
The projected hikes are driven by higher international product prices, rising global Brent Crude due to US sanctions on Russian oil, and increased demand for diesel and heating oil in the northern hemisphere.
A weaker rand could further push prices up, though a stronger rand earlier in the year provided slight relief.
Current prices are R20.97/l for 93‑octane petrol, R21.12–R21.42/l for 95‑octane petrol depending on region, and R19.13–R19.28/l for diesel.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will confirm final prices by the end of November.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
