Motorists face higher fuel costs this festive season as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced price increases across all fuel grades, effective Wednesday, December 3.

Petrol 93 and 95 increased by 29 cents per litre, while diesel rose by between 65.48 cents and 82.48 cents per litre. Illuminating paraffin went up by as much as 99 cents per litre, and LPG by up to 24 cents per litre.

The department said the adjustments are driven by both local and international factors, including oversupply concerns from OPEC+ and other producers, planned and unplanned refinery outages, and higher refinery margins.

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A slight appreciation of the rand also influenced the pricing outcome.

Although Brent crude oil prices decreased marginally from USD 64.14 to USD 63.54 during the review period, global supply dynamics resulted in higher contributions to the basic fuel price: 28.97 cents per litre for petrol, 64.09 cents for diesel, and 72.04 cents for paraffin.

The minister approved net annual margin adjustments of 3.6 cents per litre for petrol and 5.48 cents per litre for diesel and paraffin, while LPG pricing elements were adjusted in line with the latest calculations.

According to the announcement, Petrol 95 now costs R21.41 per litre in Gauteng, with coastal regions paying R20.58 per litre.