South Africa's Mineral Resources Department has said there is no immediate risk of fuel shortages despite the Middle East conflict.
Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has said there is currently no immediate risk of fuel shortages in South Africa amid the Middle East conflict.
Fears about fuel shortages have been shared on social media platforms after oil prices spiked due to the Middle East conflict between the US, along with Israel, against Iran.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the department said it remains 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.
“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.”
The department explained that South Africa currently 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 currently 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.”
Regarding the April fuel prices, the department confirmed that the continued rise in international crude oil prices is expected to result in higher fuel prices at the pump from April 2026.
While an economist has forecast that the fuel prices could increase by as much as R8 per litre next month, the department said the under-recovery on fuel prices has been fluctuating since the onset of the conflict.
It said the situation is being monitored closely.
“Further updates will be provided in due course ahead of the official April fuel price adjustments.”
It added that 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.
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