South Africans have been urged not to panic-buy or stockpile fuel despite growing concerns about supply, with independent economic analyst Dr Bonke Dumisa assuring the public there is no shortage.

The Witness reports that despite assurances from experts and government, there has been a spike in anxiety among motorists and consumers over fears of shortages and the knock-on impact on the cost of goods.

Price increase expected but stability likely

Dumisa said while a fuel price increase is expected, conditions are likely to stabilise.

“There will be a fuel price increase of at least R1.50, but there should be no panic buying of fuel. There is no immediate shortage, and government has warned against scaremongering,” he mentioned.

He adds that while rising fuel costs will affect the price of food and essential goods — as about 95% of goods are transported by road — the situation will not persist.

“We know the poorest of the poor will feel the impact, but conditions will improve. This will not be like the prolonged situation during the Russia-Ukraine war. Stability will return,” Dumisa believes.

Industry and government urge normal buying behaviour

The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa has also warned against panic buying, stressing there is no need to stockpile petrol or diesel.

This comes amid fears of a possible fuel shortage as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.

Reports have also emerged of panic buying in countries such as Australia, where bulk diesel purchases have reportedly left farmers and producers struggling.

Speaking on eNCA, the association’s Avhapfani Tshifularo said consumers should maintain normal purchasing patterns.

“We need to tackle this collectively. The supply chain is designed to service the market under normal conditions. If people behave irrationally and start stockpiling, it will create unnecessary pressure on the system,” Tshifularo said.

The South African government also said it is diversifying its fuel import sources, enhancing strategic storage capacity, and accelerating key infrastructure investment, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources spokesperson Lerato Ntsoko said.

Stations monitor supply

In Pietermaritzburg, several fuel stations said they were receiving limited supply from refineries but were not imposing strict restrictions on motorists.

One garage owner said they were monitoring the situation and were only allowing regular purchases.

“We know there are global shortages so we allow consumers to fill up as normal. We are not allowing consumers to bulk buy for storage,” he said.

The garage temporarily ran out of fuel yesterday afternoon but expected new stock later in the day.

A truck driver at the station said he had not experienced any restrictions at other garages.

Several stations around KZN have adopted similar measures to avoid panic-buying among consumers.

Cost pressures affecting mental health

Pietermaritzburg clinical psychologist Prishika Pillay warned that the rising cost of living is already affecting people’s mental health.

“Many individuals are experiencing a chronic sense of uncertainty and loss of control, which are key drivers of stress and anxiety. When basic needs such as food, fuel, transport and electricity become harder to afford, it creates a sustained survival-mode response in the body,” said Pillay.

She added that vulnerable groups include middle-income households, single-income families, single parents, young adults and the elderly.

“These groups are often under significant financial strain, even when it is not immediately visible,” she said.

Pillay said there are ways in which residents can deal with the impact of the economy due to the ongoing Middle East turmoil.

“It is important to talk to friends and family, and reduce exposure to distressing financial news. Seek professional support when stress becomes overwhelming.”

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