South Africa: Fuel price increase to start new year for motorists

South Africans will unfortunately start the new year with another fuel price increase, marking the third consecutive adjustment.

Chairman of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), Henry van der Merwe, a proud member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI),  says the fuel price increases will place additional strain on motorists,  but agrees with reports stating the reduction in illuminating paraffin prices will offer slight relief for households relying on it for heating and lighting.

Effective from 00:01 on January 1, 2025, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced the following changes:

• Petrol 93 ULP & LRP: 19.00 cents per litre increase
• Petrol 95 ULP & LRP: 12.00 cents per litre increase
• Diesel (0.05% Sulphur): 7.50 cents per litre increase
• Diesel (0.005% Sulphur): 10.50 cents per litre increase

Illuminating paraffin:

• 9.50 cents per litre decrease (wholesale)
• 13.00 cents per litre decrease in Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP)

LPG:

• Maximum retail price increases by 13.00 cents per kilogram

Van der Merwe expressed concern over the cumulative impact of consecutive increases which are expected to drive up transport costs, which may in turn lead to higher prices for goods and services, placing further pressure on already stretched consumer budgets.

He notes, “This adjustment is particularly challenging for businesses and consumers alike as we start a new year when consumer budgets are traditionally stretched after the festive period.

“We urge all South Africans to adapt their fuel usage wherever possible and explore ways to mitigate the effects of rising costs. Holidaymakers travelling home will also need to factor in the extra increases.”

Van der Merwe stressed the importance of supporting small businesses in the petroleum retail sector during this challenging period.

“As SAPRA, we continue to advocate for measures that can alleviate pressure on both consumers and our members.”

• Supplied by SAPRA