Januworry no more: Less stress at the pump with fuel-tastic prices
South African motorists can start 2026 with relief as petrol and diesel prices are set to drop, easing Januworry at the pumps.
LIMPOPO – South African drivers could breathe a little easier at the pumps this January, with petrol and diesel prices expected to fall following a stronger rand and a decline in global oil prices.
What’s expected
- Petrol 93: down around 49 cents per litre
- Petrol 95: down around 54 cents per litre
- Diesel: decreases of R1.26 to R1.38 per litre
The projected cuts follow sharp increases in December, when petrol rose by up to 29 cents per litre, and diesel jumped by as much as 85 cents. The new adjustments, expected to take effect in the first week of 2026, should offer motorists some much-needed financial relief.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to confirm the official fuel price adjustments ahead of the first Wednesday of the new year, giving South Africans a final view of the revised costs.
Why prices are falling
- A stronger rand makes fuel imports cheaper
- Weaker global oil prices reduce cost pressures on local fuel
- The festive season market slowdown meant lower trading volumes in December, which helped improve pricing
This may mean that motorists across South Africa can look forward to starting the year with a rare and welcome break at the pumps.
