Motorists brace for steep December fuel hikes
Steep fuel increases are set to squeeze motorists and businesses from Wednesday.
Motorists will face renewed pressure at the pumps this month as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) confirmed that fuel prices will increase at 00:01 on Wednesday, December 3. The adjustments affect all grades of petrol, diesel, paraffin and LPG.
According to Henry van der Merwe, national chairperson of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), the December hikes follow slightly stronger global oil prices and a relatively stable rand throughout November.
“Crude oil traded around $63 a barrel as geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over sanctions kept markets cautious. Although the rand held steady at an average of R17.30/$, the combination wasn’t enough to offset higher international product prices. The timing is tough for consumers. We are entering the busiest travel period of the year, and any increase in places added strain on households, public transport users and small businesses,” he said.
He further warned that diesel increases of over 80 cents per litre will hit key sectors such as agriculture, freight and manufacturing, with inevitable knock-on effects for consumers.
Van der Merwe added that while rand stability is positive, global uncertainties remain a risk.
“We urge motorists to plan festive travel carefully and maintain good vehicle care to maximise fuel efficiency.”
Fuel price adjustments as of December 3:
Petrol
• 93 ULP/LRP: +29c
• 95 ULP/LRP: +29c
Diesel
• 0.05% sulphur: +65.48c
• 0.005% sulphur: +82.48c
Illuminating paraffin
• Wholesale: +74.48c
• SMNRP: +99c
LPG
• Retail: +24c/kg
