No immediate fuel shortage locally

Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Resources calls for calm amid reports of fuel supply shortages in SA

March 11, 2026

Gugu Myeni 2 minutes read

April fuel prices set to be impacted by geopolitical tensions Source: Pexels | Engin Akyurt

While there is ‘no immediate risk’ of fuel supply shortages locally, the continued rise in international crude oil prices could result in higher fuel prices at the pumps from April.

This was revealed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Travelling to the Middle East or the UAE? Check with your airline first

The department has called for calm amid information circulating online regarding the current state of fuel supply in SA.

The reports come amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have impacted global crude oil prices and are expected to affect next month’s fuel price adjustments.

“The under-recovery on fuel prices has been fluctuating since the onset of the conflict,” said the DMPR in a statement.

They have, however, assured the public that oil companies importing refined petroleum products from countries affected by the conflict are actively exploring alternative supply sources to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability in the domestic market.

“We remain in continuous contact with oil companies operating in the country to ensure the stability and security of fuel supply, while closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global oil markets and fuel prices.”

The government has also assured that despite the closure of several refineries in South Africa in recent years, there are two operational crude oil refineries, namely NATREF and Astron Energy.

This is in addition to the Sasol Secunda coal-to-liquids plant, which continues to play a critical role in domestic fuel production.

“These facilities rely on crude oil imports sourced primarily from West Africa and increasingly from other countries across the African continent,” said DMPR.

“The Astron Energy refinery is undergoing a planned maintenance shutdown.

“However, as part of standard operational planning, the company has secured sufficient fuel imports to cover supply requirements during this maintenance period.”

The government remains optimistic that tensions will de-escalate in the near future, to help stabilise global oil markets and contribute to improved fuel price conditions.

Further updates will be provided in due course ahead of the official April fuel price adjustments.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: