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Fuel price increases dampen year-end sentiment

Dec 03, 2025 Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources (DMPR), fuel price increases, South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), Henry van der Merwe,


Fuel price increases dampen year-end sentiment

 

After enjoying welcome relief in November, motorists and businesses will unfortunately face renewed pressure at the pumps this month. The Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced the official fuel price adjustments that will take effect at 00h01 on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 (midnight Tuesday, 2 December 2025), reflecting increases across all grades of petrol, diesel, paraffin and LPG.

 

The December adjustments come against a backdrop of firmer global oil prices and muted rand movement throughout November. Internationally, crude oil traded in a slightly higher range during the month, fluctuating around $63 a barrel, as geopolitical uncertainty continued to weigh on sentiment. Ongoing diplomatic pressure for an end to the war in Ukraine, coupled with speculation around potential sanctions shifts, kept the market cautious, even as analysts projected an oversupply scenario in the coming year.

 

Locally, the rand remained relatively stable, averaging around R17.30/$, supported by market confidence following a constructive budget cycle, a modest credit rating improvement, and generally more positive economic sentiment. However, the combination of marginally higher oil prices and limited exchange rate movement meant the balance of recoveries for December swung into negative territory resulting in the increases announced today.

 

According to Henry van der Merwe, National Chairperson of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), the timing of the increases is challenging. “We are entering the busiest travel period of the year, and any upward movement in fuel costs places additional strain on households, public transport users, and small businesses already managing tight margins,” he says. Van der Merwe notes that the steep increases in diesel in particular will have a broader economic impact. “Diesel drives key sectors such as agriculture, freight and manufacturing. An increase of more than 80 cents per litre on 0.005% sulphur diesel will inevitably filter into distribution and production costs, with knock-on effects for consumers.”

 

He adds that while the market is still benefiting from some underlying currency stability, global uncertainties remain a risk. “A stable rand is encouraging, but the global oil market remains sensitive to geopolitical developments. We urge motorists to plan their festive travel carefully, maintain good vehicle care to maximise fuel efficiency, and stay informed as conditions evolve.”

 

Fuel Price Adjustments – Effective 3 December 2025

 

Petrol – Retail price

• 93 ULP & LRP: 29.00 c/litre increase

• 95 ULP & LRP: 29.00 c/litre increase

 

Diesel – Wholesale price

• 0.05% Sulphur: 65.48 c/litre increase

• 0.005% Sulphur: 82.48 c/litre increase

 

Illuminating Paraffin

• Wholesale: 74.48 c/litre increase

• SMNRP: 99.00 c/litre increase

 

LPG

• Maximum Retail Price: 24.00 c/kg increase

 

Van der Merwe says sustained stability, both globally and domestically, remains essential for better predictability going forward. “Price stability supports planning, travel decisions and business confidence. SAPRA will continue monitoring key drivers and will keep motorists and industry stakeholders informed.”
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