South African motorists should brace for higher fuel costs in December, as the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows increasing under-recoveries for all fuel grades.
Monday’s daily snapshot (November 17) points to petrol price hikes of about 19c/l for 93‑octane and 23c/l for 95‑octane. Diesel users face a steeper rise, with 0.05% sulphur diesel set to jump by 69c/l and low‑sulphur 0.005% diesel by 84c/l.
Currently, 93‑octane petrol, available only inland, is priced at R20.97/l, while 95‑octane petrol costs R21.12/l inland and R20.29/l at coastal stations. Wholesale diesel prices stand at R19.13/l for inland 0.05% sulphur diesel and R19.20/l for 0.005%, compared with coastal wholesale prices of R18.30/l and R18.44/l respectively.
The CEF attributes the increases mainly to rising international product prices, with only minor relief from a slightly stronger rand.
These projections could still change before the end of the month, with final December fuel prices taking effect on Wednesday, December 3. For motorists, the increases mean a noticeable jump in monthly fuel expenses just as the festive season approaches.