Premier Alan Winde has assured residents that there is sufficient fuel supply in the Western Cape to meet demand, amid concerns about the impact of the Middle East conflict.
This is because petrol and diesel prices are set to skyrocket from 1 April, due to spikes in global oil prices. At this stage, the under-recovery (and thus the expected price hike) on petrol is at around R5 per litre, while diesel’s under-recovery is at over R8.50.
Winde says the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is monitoring the situation, in coordination with the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA), Agri Western Cape (Agri WC), Regional Disaster Management Centres, the Department of Health and Wellness, EMS and Eskom.
He says there have been isolated reports of shortages due to suppliers not releasing fuel to customers, which is impacting the agricultural sector.
Agri WC reports that some farmers are only receiving ~20% of their usual monthly diesel allocations. These effects are most acute in the Garden Route and West Coast Districts.
The FIASA is now working with Agri WC to identify fuel suppliers that are rationing supply.
Winde has warned that it is unethical for suppliers to delay fuel deliveries while waiting for prices to increase. He adds that any supplier found to be engaged in this conduct will be assessed for legal liability and recourse.
“There is no cause for concern. There is more than enough fuel in reserve. All suppliers must immediately release full orders of fuel to all clients. We will not tolerate suppliers unethically holding onto fuel, while our agricultural sector is under pressure.”
“Fuel is a critical resource for the agricultural sector, particularly as we head into the fruit picking and winter grain planting season. This is a sector already under pressure as a result of Foot-and-Mouth Disease; it is unacceptable that unnecessary fuel rationing now poses an additional stressor.”
At the same time, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) says it is concerned about the circulation of fake news regarding the fuel supply situation, where certain organisations and individuals are also encouraging members of the public to rush to filling stations.
The Department and the Fuels Industry Association have reiterated that South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, and there is no basis for panic-buying.
“While there may be isolated localised logistical challenges affecting the movement or availability of fuel in certain areas, these are operational in nature and do not constitute a national supply shortage. These issues are being actively managed through established industry and regulatory channels.”
Spokesperson Lerato Ntsoko says calls for the public to rush to the fuel pumps are irresponsible, and place undue pressure on supply systems, congestion at service stations, and anxiety among consumers.
“The Department calls all organisations, public representatives, commentators and social media users to act responsibly and to refrain from spreading unverified or speculative claims regarding fuel supply and fuel price developments.”
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue purchasing fuel in the normal course and to rely on official government communication for accurate and verified information.”
Consumers who experience fuel-related challenges or wish to lodge complaints are encouraged to report these to fuel.complaints@dmpr.gov.za, which will enable the department’s inspectors to respond and intervene where necessary.
