As geopolitical tensions rattle the global energy market, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMRE) has stepped forward to reassure South Africans of a stable fuel supply in the coming weeks, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This reassurance comes amidst reports of rising fuel prices and experiences of temporary diesel shortages at various petrol stations across the country.
The DMRE addressed public concerns regarding South Africa’s fuel supply stability, stating that the government is actively coordinating with industry stakeholders to secure crude oil and refined petroleum products from a diverse range of sources.
‘A comprehensive plan is in place to manage potential supply risks,’ the department asserted in a recent communication.
Fuel consignments for March and early April 2026 had been secured before the escalation of recent hostilities in the Middle East, and these deliveries are already underway.
The DMRE anticipates that these supplies will sufficiently sustain national needs as global tensions develop.
However, the DMRE also acknowledged the troubling impact of international oil market developments, particularly the recent surge in crude oil prices which have soared above USD 100 per barrel.
Supply disruptions and uncertainties affecting global shipping routes have exerted upward pressure on fuel prices, factors that South Africa, as a net importer of petroleum products, is acutely sensitive to.
As local consumers brace for potential price increases, the DMRE expressed concern over the implications of high international oil prices paired with fluctuating exchange rates. ‘Sustained increases are expected to translate into higher domestic fuel prices in the months ahead,’ the department warned.
To safeguard consumer interests, the DMRE underlined the necessity of pricing transparency within the fuel value chain, particularly concerning unregulated products such as jet fuel. The government urged industry participants to maintain fair and justified pricing practices, ensuring compliance with competition and consumer protection laws.
Despite the disruptions linked to global markets, the DMRE remains committed to reinforcing long-term energy security within South Africa.
Initiatives to diversify fuel import sources, enhance strategic storage facilities, and expedite key infrastructure projects are being pursued with vigour.
The department highlighted the dual goal of meeting regional supply obligations while prioritising the security of domestic fuel supplies.
Meanwhile, reports of diesel shortages at various petrol stations particularly within provinces such as the Western Cape and Gauteng have surfaced, intensifying concerns as global fuel pressures mount.
A community alert circulated recently identified multiple fuel stations and depots that had temporarily run dry of 50ppm diesel.
However, amid these concerns, an owner of one of the reported to be affected petrol stations refuted claims of a fuel shortage at his site, attributing the situation to transport issues rather than a genuine supply crisis.
‘We ran out of product for a short period due to a transporter problem. We are fully pumping fuel at our site, and this article can have damaging implications on our business,’ he remarked.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Multiple petrol stations run out of diesel across South Africa
Picture: Gallo Images / Misha Jordaan
