Long queues of vehicles were seen this afternoon (March 31) at AFGRI as motorists rushed to fill up their tanks following reports of a fuel price increase expected at midnight tonight, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Concerns about price hike and fuel running out

Many drivers lined up at filling stations to avoid paying higher prices. One motorist said he ‘came early’ to refuel after hearing that fuel prices would go up at midnight.

There are growing concerns that some filling stations could run out of fuel due to the high number of motorists flocking to refuel.

The fuel prices are as follows:

Petrol 93 & 95 ⬆️ R3.06
Diesel 0.05%    ⬆️ R7.37
Diesel 0.005%  ⬆️ R7.51
IP Wholesale    ⬆️ R11.63
IP Retail            ⬆️ R15.60
LP Gas             ⬆️ R1.08
Effective from midnight tonight (April 1).

Fake news warning

However, government has warned the public against spreading and believing misinformation regarding fuel availability in South Africa. In response to circulating claims that the country has no emergency fuel reserves, officials clarified that South Africa maintains approximately eight million barrels of strategic fuel stocks stored in Saldanha. These reserves form part of the country’s national energy security measures.

The government further reassured citizens that there is no need to panic, emphasising that fuel supply remains stable despite the increased demand.

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