Crisis on the Roads: South Sudan's Persistent Fuel Shortages Spark Motorist Alarm
South Africa faces a paradoxical fuel situation where official reassurances of stable supply clash with widespread motorist experiences of shortages and stock-outs. Diesel supply is particularly strained due to a looming price adjustment and refinery shutdown, exacerbated by high demand and logistical issues. President Ramaphosa has acknowledged the crisis, with a ministerial task team now investigating interventions.
South African drivers are feeling the pinch as fuel shortages and spotty stock at petrol stations continue across the country.
The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIA) tried to ease worries on Saturday, saying the fuel supply is stable and major petroleum products are available.
But they also admitted that supplies are tight, especially diesel, which remains in short supply.
Diesel supply is coming under pressure as buyers rush ahead of a price hike set for April 1, 2026.
Adding to the strain, the Cape Town refinery will be offline until mid-April for scheduled maintenance, and while imports are lined up to cover the gap and widespread shortages aren’t expected, local logistical hurdles are making the situation trickier than usual.
Fuel shortages are hitting many areas because demand at service stations is higher than usual.
Because of delays and shortage of delivery trucks which led to diesel selling fast as people try to avoid the upcoming price increase.
The FIA says suppliers are working to fix the problem and keep pumps filled.
The severity of the situation has drawn high-level governmental concern. Addressing the ANC Limpopo elective conference on Sunday,
President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that both he and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana were experiencing sleepless nights over the nation's fuel situation.
In response to these pressing concerns, a ministerial task team has reportedly been appointed to investigate and implement interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of these fuel challenges on the public and the economy.