South Africa’s Official Petrol and Diesel Prices – December 2025

Latest petrol and diesel prices in South Africa

These prices are sourced from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and apply from Wednesday, 03 December 2025, until the next monthly adjustment. Inland prices include the transport differential; coastal prices are lower where applicable.

*LPG coastal prices vary by zone. Saldanha Bay sees a smaller 9c/kg increase in December 2025.

Next expected adjustment: [First Wednesday of January 2026]

What this December price hike means for the average driver

A typical family car with a 60-litre tank, filled four times a month, will feel this increase quickly. A 29c per litre rise on petrol adds around R17.40 per tank, or roughly R69.60 extra per month for regular commuters. Diesel users, especially bakkies and delivery fleets, face an even steeper climb with increases of 65c to 82c per litre.

Higher fuel prices feed into everything from groceries to courier costs. That is exactly why keeping your vehicle efficient, serviced, and leak-free is as important as watching the fuel price itself.

Why petrol, diesel and LPG went up in December 2025

International oil prices traded in a tighter band during November, hovering around the low $60s per barrel as global markets weighed the impact of ongoing geopolitical tension and the possibility of new sanctions on major producers. Forecasts of future oversupply did not translate into cheaper refined products, and the average price of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin on world markets rose over the review period.

The Rand held up reasonably well, spending much of the month near R17.30 to the dollar on the back of a more credible fiscal outlook and improved investor sentiment. A slightly stronger currency did reduce the basic fuel price component by a few cents per litre, but this was not enough to offset higher international product prices and the negative balance in the fuel price recovery calculations.

Additionally, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy approved upward margin adjustments on petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin and LPG, adding a few cents per litre and per kilogram to the final pump price. All of this combines into the December increases listed above.

Fuel-saving tips that actually work

You cannot control global oil markets, but you can reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption. The same parts that keep your engine healthy also protect your wallet.

• Service on time. Old filters and worn spark plugs force the engine to burn more fuel. A simple service kit with fresh oil, filters and plugs can pay for itself in a few tanks.
• Keep tyres at the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and increase your fuel consumption.
• Drive smoothly. Hard pull-offs, high revs and late braking are fuel killers.
• Fix misfires quickly. A weak ignition coil or plug wastes petrol and can damage the catalytic converter, turning a small problem into a major repair.
• Use the correct oil. Quality lubricants cut friction and help the engine reach operating temperature quickly, improving both performance and consumption.

Helpful categories on our store:

Service Kits | Ignition Coils | Lubricants

Keep your car efficient and reliable

For a deeper look at overheating, cooling system failures and head gasket damage, read our Cooling Systems Advisory.