The Department of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has released 10 facts to bust some of the myths that surround the effect of geopolitical tensions on fuel supply to South Africa.
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These facts were made public by GCIS on Tuesday, March 31.

1. South Africa is running out of fuel

Fact: The country has sufficient fuel supply, and there is no immediate threat to national fuel storage. Government and the fuel industry continue to monitor supply levels to ensure availability.

2. Fuel prices are increasing because government cannot manage supply

Fact: Fuel price increases are driven by global oil prices, international supply disruptions, shipping costs and the rand-dollar exchange rate, not by domestic supply failure.

3. The Middle East conflict means fuel shipments to South Africa have stopped

Fact: Fuel vessels are still transiting global shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. While geopolitical tensions affect prices, supplies are still reaching South Africa.

4. Government sets fuel prices arbitrarily

Fact: Fuel prices are adjusted monthly based on a regulated pricing formula, starting with the basic fuel price, which reflects international oil prices, shipping costs, insurance and exchange rate movements.

5. Fuel levies are the only reason prices are increasing

Fact: While taxes and levies form part of the pump price, most of the fuel price is determined by international costs, including the cost of crude oil and refined fuel imports.

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6. Panic buying is necessary to avoid being caught without fuel

Fact: There is no justification for panic buying or fuel hoarding. Fuel supply remains stable, and panic behaviour can cause unnecessary local disruptions.

7. South Africa depends entirely on one region for fuel

Fact: South Africa sources fuel from multiple regions, including African countries, the Middle East, the United States, Brazil and other suppliers, reducing reliance on a single source.

8. Local diesel shortages mean the national supply has collapsed

Fact: Reports of diesel shortages are isolated and localised. They do not indicate a national shortage and are often linked to timing of imports or commercial distribution arrangements.

9. Government has no emergency fuel reserves

Fact: South Africa holds about eight million barrels of strategic fuel stocks in Saldanha, which form part of national energy security measures.

10. Fuel prices will keep going up forever

Fact: Fuel prices change monthly and can go up or down, depending on international oil prices, exchange rate movements, and shipping costs. If global conditions improve, prices can stabilise or decrease.