Public urged not to panic buy fuel

Calls for the public to rush to fuel stations are irresponsible, government warns

March 23, 2026

Gugu Myeni 2 minutes read

Government calls for restraint amid speculation about fuel supply shortages PHOTO: Pexels

While government has noted isolated localised logistical challenges affecting the movement or availability of fuel in certain areas, the public is being urged not to panic buy.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has reiterated that South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, adding that it is ‘incorrect and misleading’ to link such isolated domestic logistical matters to broader geopolitical tensions.

ALSO READ: SA moves to secure fuel supply amid global oil shock

“Such claims risk creating unnecessary alarm and confusion among the public,” the DMPR stated.

DMPR has expressed concerns about the circulation of statements and messages encouraging members of the public to rush to filling stations amid a ‘perceived fuel shortage’ and anticipated fuel price increases.

“Calls for the public to rush to the pumps are irresponsible. They place undue pressure on supply systems, congestion at service stations, and anxiety among consumers,” warned the department.

A call has been made to organisations and social media users to refrain from spreading unverified information regarding fuel supply.

The public is also encouraged to continue purchasing fuel normally and to rely on official government communication for accurate and verified information.

Consumers who experience fuel-related challenges or want to lodge complaints are encouraged to email fuel.complaints@dmpr.gov.za, to allow the department’s inspectors to intervene where necessary.

However, it was reported earlier this month that the continued rise in international crude oil prices is expected to result in higher fuel prices at the pumps from April.

“The under-recovery on fuel prices has been fluctuating since the onset of the conflict.

“Oil companies that import refined petroleum products from countries affected by the conflict are actively exploring alternative supply sources to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability in the domestic market,” DMPR stated.

“Despite the closure of several refineries in recent years, South Africa has two operational crude oil refineries, namely NATREF and Astron Energy, 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.

“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.”

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