The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced the official fuel price adjustments effective from Wednesday, 1 January 2025.

December recorded a rise in global petrol prices and a weaker rand compared to November, resulting in an under-recovery and subsequent price increases.

This marks the third consecutive month of fuel price hikes, with petrol prices increasing by 12 cents per litre for 93 octane and 19 cents per litre for 95 octane.

Diesel prices will increase from 7.50 to 10.50 cents per litre.

• Petrol 93: increase of 19 cents per litre (R0.19)
• Petrol 95: increase of 12 cents per litre (R0.12)
• Diesel 0.05%: increase of 7.50 cents per litre (R0.075)
• Diesel 0.005%: increase of 10.50 cents per litre (R0.10)
• Illuminating Paraffin: decrease of 9.50 cents per litre (R0.095)
• LPGAS: increase of 13 cents per kilogram (R0.13)

Here is how the price changes will reflect at the pumps (Diesel prices reflect wholesale, pump prices will differ):

Arrive Alive have compiled a list of nine ways to save on your fuel consumption:

• Stick to the speed limits: Speeding is not only dangerous but also negatively affects your fuel consumption. By driving at 110 km/h instead of 120km/h, you can save on your petrol bill in the long run.
• Don’t accelerate harshly: Harsh acceleration contributes to higher fuel consumption. Rather look at pulling away from robots or stop streets slowly and gradually. Don’t overwork your engine by driving at too high revs, and if you drive an automatic car, accelerate on a light throttle for early gear changes.
• Keep your eyes on the road: By keeping your eyes on the road, and keeping a safe following distance, you can travel at a more constant speed, and avoid harsh braking. By slowing down gradually for changing robots, or stationary traffic, it’s more economical for you and your car.
• Make momentum work for you: Save some fuel by making your car’s momentum work for you. Build up speed before an uphill stretch, and when you crest a hill, take your foot off the accelerator pedal and use your car’s momentum to get you over.
• Don’t use your aircon too much: We know South African summers can be brutal, and even though using an aircon is more fuel efficient than driving with your windows down, it still increases fuel consumption. By using your aircon more judiciously, you can save fuel when driving.
• Don’t overload your car: This may seem obvious, but overloading your car makes the engine work harder, using more fuel in the process. Pack lightly, and remember to remove unused heavy items like bike racks, or roof racks from your car when not in use.
• Try to reduce idling time: We know, how is this even possible with our current traffic? But wherever you can, try to not let your car idle for more than 30 seconds – rather switch it off. Also, try to avoid peak hour traffic where you can to save on your fuel consumption.
• Avoid short trips: Trips of two kilometres or less use more fuel than longer trips. Even more so if your car’s engine is cold. Try not to make unnecessary trips to reduce your fuel bills.

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