Despite repeated assurances from authorities that there is no national fuel shortage, residents and businesses across the Garden Route, Klein Karoo and Hessequa are increasingly feeling the pinch as supply disruptions begin to bite, reports George Herald.

Reports of rationing at service stations and delayed diesel deliveries have raised concern, particularly within the agricultural sector at a critical time in the farming calendar. 

According to Laubscher Coetzee, chairperson of Agri Western Cape, for farmers, the issue is about buying ahead of the expected increase, especially as it is currently planting and harvesting season. In addition to diesel, prices of inputs such as compost are also being increased due to the planned rise in fuel and diesel costs.

Dean Barnard, a farmer from Waboomskraal near George, said they ordered diesel for their farm early last week and are still waiting for delivery. 

“Our orders have been placed, but so far no deliveries have been possible. We approached two separate companies last week, but neither was able to supply the fuel. Hopefully some diesel will come through somewhere. Until then, we wait,” he said. 

Another farmer in the Herold area said that while they had managed to fill their tanks in time, others were not as fortunate.

Fuel stations in the area have also started rationing motorists to no more than 50 litres of fuel per customer.

Some Mossel Bay residents have reported that certain petrol stations have only allowed drivers to fill up their vehicles with a limited amount of petrol. 

One resident said that the Astron Energy petrol station located in Voorbaai allowed only 40 litres per vehicle, while another reported that Agri Mossel Bay had no diesel available yesterday, 22 March. However, it seems that not every petrol station in the area has yet been affected. 

Another resident reported that the Engen garage in Hartenbos did not have any problems relating to their petrol availability. Similarly, multiple residents echoed that the Shell petrol station in Heiderand has been operating as usual.

Frans Myburgh, owner of the Astron petrol station in Riversdale, said that a 50-litre cap per transaction has been implemented. 

“We’ve put the limit in place to try and assist as many customers as possible,” Myburgh said. 

“It doesn’t help if some people fill up large drums of 200 litres or more to store elsewhere while others who cannot afford to do that are left without diesel at the pumps,” he said.

He added that uncertainty around deliveries remains a major concern.

“Dealers are not sure whether we will receive our full orders or whether they will arrive on site in time,” he said.

According to a fuel station owner in George who wished to remain anonymous, their supply remains normal. 

“We constantly receive all orders as requested. We are in constant communication with our supplier and have been assured that supply is sufficient. It appears to us that incorrect media reports have caused panic buying. This has happened in the past where articles are run without the full truth, leading to panic buying from the end consumer,” he said.

Fuel stocks stable, says Western Cape Government

The Western Cape Government has reiterated that fuel stocks are stable and sufficient to meet demand.

Premier Alan Winde said the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with industry bodies, including the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa and Agri Western Cape. 

“There is more than enough fuel in reserve,” Winde said. “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,” said Winde.

Diesel supplies to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay have been under strain, with some garages such as Engen, Shell and Total affected, but with supplies, while the popular SSK Agriland stores in both towns are feeling the pressure. 

Agriland Plett and Knysna have been without 50PPM diesel supplies since Friday.

Werner Kruger, chief operating officer commercial at SSK, said its customers had been informed of the situation in a letter on Friday.

“It is difficult to give more details as the situation is constantly changing due to supply under pressure. We are doing our best to secure fuel to service our members and customers as best we can, but it takes time and it is difficult to link specific timelines to this as the whole industry is under strain,” said Kruger.

Isolated shortages cause growing concern

While the government insists supply is adequate, the situation on the ground tells a different story.

The Fuel Retailers Association has confirmed that there are no widespread shortages, but has confirmed isolated supply issues in certain areas.

These disruptions are believed to stem from delays in distribution rather than a lack of fuel. However, there are concerns that some suppliers may be withholding stock in anticipation of the fuel price increase expected in April.

Agri Western Cape CEO Jannie Strydom said feedback from farmers shows the issue is more severe than official statements indicate. 

“Seventy to seventy-five percent of the feedback indicated that they do not have access to fuel,” he said.

In some cases, farmers are reportedly receiving as little as 20 percent of their usual monthly diesel allocations. Strydom warned that a blockage in the supply chain appears to be the most likely cause.

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