South African motorists woke up to a welcome New Year boost on Wednesday as fuel prices across all grades dropped by between 62 and 66 cents per litre, easing pressure after December’s steep increases.
From 7 January, Petrol 93 will fall by 62 cents per litre while Petrol 95 drops by 66 cents.
The adjustment brings the Gauteng price of 95 unleaded down from R21.41 (about $1.31) to R20.75 per litre, with coastal motorists now paying R19.92.
Diesel users will see even sharper relief, with 0.05% sulphur diesel decreasing by R1.37 per litre and 0.005% sulphur by R1.50. Illuminating paraffin will fall by up to R1.48 per litre.
Liquefied petroleum gas will, however, rise by 21 cents per kilogramme nationally and 23 cents in the Western Cape.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources attributed the reductions to a drop in global oil prices, with Brent crude averaging USD 61.47 during the review period, down from USD 63.55.
The department said oversupply driven by increased OPEC+ and non‑OPEC production had pushed prices lower.
Higher winter inventories in the Northern Hemisphere also contributed to significant declines in diesel and paraffin product prices.
The January cuts follow fuel price hikes in December 2025, when rising international product costs and a weaker rand pushed pump prices upward.
JN/APA