FUEL PRICE HIKES FOR DECEMBER 2025 AND OUR YEAR-END REFLECTIONS
As we approach the year-end, we at Quality Fuel Solutions (QFS) would like to share a detailed update on upcoming fuel price changes, explain the underlying dynamics, and thank you for your continued trust and collaboration in 2025.
Recent figures from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) indicate that local fuel margins in South Africa have deteriorated since mid-month projections, with diesel prices looking at a particularly hefty hike.
December fuel prices: Predicted changes for petrol and diesel…so far
- Petrol 93: Increase of 20 cents per litre
- Petrol 95: Increase of 25 cents per litre
- Diesel 50PPM (wholesale): Increase of 93 cents per litre
The upward pressure on diesel and petrol prices is coming from several linked factors:
Global crude and product markets: International oil and refined product prices have moved higher in recent months. Some of this is due to geopolitics – for instance, sanctions on Russian oil exports have tightened supply expectations.
Exchange rate and rand effect: Although the South African rand has had periods of strength, its recent gains are not sufficient to offset rising global prices in full. In other words, even a relatively stronger rand cannot fully neutralise the cost increases from abroad.
Seasonal and demand patterns: Diesel in particular is subject to what’s happening in the Northern Hemisphere (winter demand for heating oil, etc.), which can influence the refined product market globally and in turn impact South Africa.
Under-recovery in domestic pricing: The CEF data points to “under-recovery” of margins — in essence, the local cost base is higher than what the current pricing is covering. This mismatch is being corrected in part via the upcoming adjustments.
Implications for our diesel-delivery clients
Given that QFS specialises in delivering diesel, this price adjustment is particularly pertinent to you. While we believe in transparent and collaborative planning, the larger expected increase for diesel means that budgeting and scheduling may need a bit of extra attention.
We would like to propose some immediate urgency, as we offer the following practical pointers:
Review your diesel consumption forecasts for the remainder of the year and early next.
Consider placing your orders sooner rather than later, especially if you anticipate higher usage before or over the holiday period, or into the new year.
Communicate with QFS about your delivery windows and any flexibility you may have — our services pillar means we want to accommodate your operational rhythm as best we can.
Plan for the cost impact — although the increase won’t retroactively apply, securing pricing and supply ahead of the formal adjustment can help you model your cost base more accurately.
A note of thanks & 2025 wrap-up
As this is our final newsletter of the year before many businesses close for the festive season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. This year has been a strong one for QFS, thanks in no small part to your partnership. Together we have delivered quality diesel and petrol to our clients in Fuel Zone 09C and beyond, maintenance of strong relationships, and meaningful cost-savings backed by dependable service.
Your loyalty and collaboration have made this possible and we look forward to building even more on this foundation in 2026.
As we step into the new year, QFS remains deeply committed to our three pillars: Relationships, Savings, and Services. We will continue monitoring global and local fuel market dynamics, and we will keep you updated when formal adjustments are confirmed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) or market-driven changes arise.