Motorists will face higher fuel costs starting in the New Year

 

Motorists will face higher fuel costs starting in the New Year, as fuel prices are set to rise from January 1. According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the price of 93 octane petrol will increase by 19 cents per litre, while unleaded 95 petrol will go up by 12 cents per litre.

Diesel prices will also see increases, rising by 7.5 cents and 10.5 cents per litre, depending on the grade. However, illuminating paraffin will see a price drop, decreasing by 13 cents per litre at the retail level. Additionally, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will rise by 13 cents per kilogram.

Robert Maake, spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, attributed the price hikes to the weaker rand against the US dollar and slightly higher oil prices during the review period. He also noted that the Minister has approved the return to original fuel pricing zones, following the Port Elizabeth port closure, effective from January 1, 2025.