South African motorists are facing a challenging start to the festive season as petrol and diesel prices are expected to rise significantly in December. According to the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), unleaded petrol and diesel are projected to climb by substantial margins, with diesel users likely to feel the pinch most sharply.

Data compiled by the CEF for the period ending 27 November 2025 shows that unleaded 95 petrol could increase by 26 cents per litre, while unleaded 93 petrol is expected to rise by around 20 cents per litre. Diesel prices are set to climb even higher, with the 50ppm grade anticipated to increase by 77 cents per litre, and 500ppm diesel—which is primarily used in mining, agriculture, and long-distance transport—likely to rise by 60 cents per litre.

Although 500ppm diesel is not used in regular vehicles, its price increase has far-reaching effects, as it raises operational costs for industries that rely on heavy fuel consumption. This, in turn, can drive up the cost of goods and services, contributing to higher consumer inflation.

The adjustments are not yet final, but analysts warn that only dramatic changes in global oil prices or the rand-dollar exchange rate could alter the expected increases. Official fuel price changes are set to be announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy early next week, with implementation at midnight on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.

Why Fuel Prices Are Rising

The primary driver behind these hikes is the higher average basic fuel price, which is heavily influenced by crude oil costs. OPEC+ countries, many of the world’s top oil producers, have recently paused production increases due to an oversupply and weak global oil prices. Limiting production naturally pushes prices upward, while increased output tends to lower them.

On a slightly positive note, the strengthening of the rand in November has tempered the price rise slightly, cutting the increase by roughly 3 cents for petrol and 4 cents for diesel.

Impact on Holiday Travel

These price adjustments are likely to hit South Africans planning long-distance trips over the December and January holiday season. For instance, the Johannesburg to Cape Town round trip (1,398km) will cost a petrol-driven vehicle an additional R53.82 if using unleaded 95, based on average consumption of 7.4 litres per 100km. Diesel SUVs, such as the popular Toyota Fortuner 2.4-litre GD-6, which consumes about 9 litres per 100km on highways, could see fuel costs rise by nearly R194 for the same journey.

Other popular holiday routes are also expected to see increases:

• Pretoria to Nelspruit (314km): Petrol R302, Diesel R325

• Johannesburg to Durban (567km): Petrol R546, Diesel R586

• Cape Town to George (428km): Petrol R412, Diesel R442

Motorists are advised to budget carefully, as these price hikes come on top of already high travel costs during the holiday season.

Looking Ahead

Although petrol prices remain slightly below January 2025 levels, diesel continues to trend upward, reflecting ongoing global market volatility. Brent crude averaged $64.14 per barrel in November, influenced by both supply expectations and seasonal heating demand in the northern hemisphere. Analysts caution that geopolitical developments or changes in OPEC+ production policies could further affect prices in the coming months.

FAQ

1. When will the new fuel prices take effect?
Wednesday, 3 December 2025 at 00:00.

2. How much will petrol increase?
Unleaded 95: ~26c per litre; Unleaded 93: ~20c per litre.

3. How much will diesel rise?
50ppm diesel: ~77c per litre; 500ppm diesel: ~60c per litre.

4. Why are fuel prices increasing?
Primarily due to higher crude oil prices and OPEC+ supply restrictions, partly offset by a stronger rand.

5. How will this affect holiday travel costs?
Long-distance trips could cost hundreds of rands more, particularly for diesel vehicles.