Day: November 3, 2025

Petrol and diesel to decrease from Wednesday

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The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced decreases in the price of petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin and LP Gas from Wednesday this week.

The following price adjustments will apply:
Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 51 cent decrease.
Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): 51 cent decrease.

Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 21 cent decrease.
Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 19 cent decrease.

Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 1 cent decrease.

Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 1 cent decrease.

Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 61 cent decrease and 70 cent decrease in the Western Cape

As of Wednesday, a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) will cost R21.12 in Gauteng while a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) in the coast will now cost R20.29.

“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from US$67.16 to US$64.14 during the period under review. The decrease in the price of crude oil is due to oversupply because of increased global production as well as uncertainty caused by continued trade tensions which could affect economic growth and demand for crude oil.

“The average international prices of petrol and diesel followed the decreasing trend of crude oil prices. This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices [BFP] of petrol by 39.94 cents per litre (c/l) and diesel by 8.83 c/l. On the other hand, illuminating paraffin prices increased and resulted in a higher contribution to BFP by 10.96 c/l. The prices of Propane and Butane decreased during the period under review,” the DMPR explained.

Furthermore, the Rand appreciated slightly against the USD during the period under review.

“The Rand appreciated on average, against the [USD], from R17.49 to R17.29 per USD during the period under review when compared to the previous one.

“This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol by 10.60 c/l, diesel by 11.77 c/l and Illuminating paraffin by 11.53 c/l, respectively,” the DMPR said. 

Power system continues to operate reliably, says Eskom

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Eskom says the power system continues to operate reliably, meeting South Africa’s electricity demand effectively. 

“The ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan is strengthening grid stability, improving operational efficiencies and providing energy security. The Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) load factor decreased further to 0.0001%, from 0.23% in the preceding week. This reflects sustained efficiency gains,” Eskom said in a statement.

The year-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) rose to 63.06%, compared to last year’s 63.02% for the same period.

According to Eskom, from 1 to 30 October 2025, the EAF increased to 65.9%, up from 62.24% in the same period last year, a notable 3.66% improvement driven by fewer unplanned outages and additional generation capacity.

“Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 was reconnected to the national grid on Wednesday following major scheduled maintenance, strengthening 24/7 baseload capacity and improving both the EAF and overall energy security. 

“Both units at Koeberg are online, with Unit 1 ramping up and Unit 2 producing 941MW. Once at full output, the nuclear power station will generate over 1 860MW, reinforcing Eskom’s commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient nuclear operations,” Eskom said.

During the past week, diesel expenditure was R0.005 million, down from R7.84 million during the same week last year. This reflects a sharp reduction in reliance on diesel generation, signalling a shift toward more cost-effective primary energy sources.

Year-to-date, diesel expenditure remains consistently below budget.

From 1 to 30 October 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF) which measures the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages reduced to 21.78%, a significant 2.73% improvement from 24.51% recorded during the same period last year.

The Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF) stands at 12.01%, slightly lower than the 12.87% recorded last year. This planned maintenance aligns with Eskom’s long-term maintenance schedule and ongoing efforts to enhance plant reliability and operational consistency.

Between 24 and 30 October 2025, Eskom recorded an average of 8 768MW in unplanned outages—an improvement from 9 837MW during the same period last year. 

This year-on-year reduction of 1 069MW in breakdowns highlights the growing reliability and resilience of the generation fleet. 
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