Government moves to calm fuel supply fears
South Africans have been assured that the nation is not at immediate risk of running out of fuel, even as escalating global oil prices and geopolitical instability continue to rattle international energy markets. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed on Tuesday that it maintains ongoing engagement with oil firms active in the country to safeguard the reliability of fuel supply chains.
The department indicated it is keeping a watchful eye on developments unfolding in the Middle East and their potential consequences for global crude oil markets and domestic fuel pricing. Officials emphasised that while extended geopolitical conflict could place upward pressure on international oil prices, the current supply situation in South Africa remains stable.
"While prolonged geopolitical tensions may exert pressure on international oil prices, the department wishes to assure the public that there is currently no immediate risk of fuel shortages in South Africa."
Despite the shuttering of multiple refineries in recent years, the country still operates two crude oil processing facilities — NATREF and Astron Energy — alongside the Sasol Secunda coal-to-liquids plant, which remains a vital contributor to the nation's domestic fuel output. These operations depend on imported crude oil, sourced predominantly from West Africa and, with growing frequency, from other nations across the African continent.
Planned refinery maintenance will not disrupt supply
The department confirmed that the Astron Energy refinery is presently undergoing a scheduled maintenance shutdown. However, officials noted that the company had proactively arranged adequate fuel imports as part of its routine operational planning, ensuring supply obligations would be met throughout the downtime period.
Looking ahead, the department cautioned that the sustained climb in global crude oil prices is likely to translate into higher costs at the pump for South African motorists from April 2026. The under-recovery on fuel prices has seen considerable fluctuation since hostilities began, adding further uncertainty to pricing forecasts.
The department pledged to maintain close surveillance of the evolving situation and committed to issuing additional updates ahead of the official fuel price adjustments scheduled for April.
"Oil companies that currently 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."
The reassurance comes at a time when consumers are already feeling the pinch of elevated living costs, with any further increases in fuel prices set to ripple through the broader economy, affecting transport, food, and manufacturing sectors alike.
