Despite assurances from the South African government regarding fuel supply stability, concerns about potential shortages and rising prices loom large amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
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The South African government has moved to calm public anxiety over fuel security, issuing a firm assurance that the country’s petroleum supply remains stable despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and volatile global energy markets.
In a statement this week, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources emphasised that immediate supply chains were secure, even as international crude oil prices might have breached the psychologically significant $100 (R1 697) per barrel threshold.
“The Department wishes to assure all South Africans that the country’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, notwithstanding heightened volatility in global energy markets arising from ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” the Department said.
The statement confirmed that critical fuel shipments were secured before recent global escalations, providing a buffer for the weeks ahead.
It added: “Fuel consignments scheduled for March and early April 2026 were secured before the recent escalation in global tensions. These deliveries have commenced and are expected to adequately sustain national supply over the coming weeks.”
However, the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) said it had seen letters from fuel suppliers warning filling stations of possible shortages, raising questions about the reality on the ground.
The FF Plus said: “A long list of filling stations that have already run dry is also circulating on social media. This raises the question: So where is the fuel?
“The departmental explanation makes sense: Fuel orders placed before the current war broke out in Iran are due to reach South Africa only in early April. So, that should not result in domestic fuel shortages, despite the war. Yet independent fuel traders and agents of multinational companies are finding it difficult to obtain sufficient supply. The Freedom Front Plus has several letters to that effect in its possession.”
The Department acknowledged that South African motorists should brace for potential price increases, given the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
It said: “As a net importer of petroleum products, South Africa remains inherently exposed to these external dynamics. Sustained increases in international oil prices, coupled with exchange rate fluctuations, are expected to translate into higher domestic fuel prices in the months ahead.”