Motorists and households across South Africa will see welcome relief at the pumps this month following the announcement of fuel price adjustments by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe. The new fuel prices willl come into effect from Wednesday, 7 January 2026, as part of the country’s regular monthly fuel price review.
According to the Department, the adjustments were driven mainly by lower international oil prices, resulting in a reduced basic fuel price. Improved global supply levels and softer demand contributed to the decreases, particularly for diesel and illuminating paraffin. The changes are expected to ease transport and household energy costs, especially for commuters, businesses, and lower-income households that rely on paraffin.
Fuel price movements effective January 2026:
- Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): ↓ approximately 62 cents per litre
- Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): ↓ approximately 66 cents per litre
- Diesel (0.05% & 0.005% sulphur): ↓ about R1.50 per litre
- Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): ↓ about R1.10 per litre
- Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin: ↓ about R1.48 per litre
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): ↑ marginal increase of around 21–23 cents per kilogram
While most fuel users will benefit from lower prices, the slight increase in LPG may affect households that rely on gas for cooking and heating. Fuel prices continue to be influenced by international oil markets, the rand-dollar exchange rate, and shipping and insurance costs.