There is currently no threat of South Africa running out of petrol or diesel, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East cutting off global oil and petroleum product supplies.
Last week, both the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and the Fuels Industry Association (FIASA) confirmed this, noting that South Africa’s supplies are secure.
The department noted that it maintains contact with oil companies to ensure the stability and security of fuel supply, and is closely monitoring the developments in the Middle East.
“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,” it explained.
This sentiment was echoed by FIASA, which stated that despite global oil price volatility, South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable for now and that there is no shortage that may lead to sale restrictions.
“Currently, there is no threat of that happening as fuel retail supply is secured,” FIASA told TopAuto.
The bulk of South Africa’s March imports remains secure and is expected to arrive in the country as planned.
The association noted that South Africa sources a significant portion of its fuel imports from Gulf countries affected by the ongoing conflict.
However, it added that local fuel suppliers are actively diversifying supply options by exploring alternative sourcing routes outside the Strait of Hormuz to regions less impacted by current developments.
South Africa remains highly reliant on imported crude oil and refined petroleum products, leaving the country vulnerable to any developments within international energy markets.
As a result, movements in global product prices together with fluctuations in the exchange rate remain the primary drivers of local fuel price adjustments, FIASA explains.
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, coupled with the implementation of new fuel levies.
“Pump prices are adjusted monthly based on international product prices and the prevailing exchange rate, and the industry does not determine or set retail fuel prices,” added FIASA.
Not out of the woods yet
Despite both stakeholders confirming that there is no immediate threat to South Africa’s fuel supply, the country remains vulnerable to any shifts in the industry.
“Beyond the price of crude oil itself, geopolitical tensions can also affect global shipping costs and insurance premiums for tankers operating in sensitive regions,” noted FIASA.
“These additional costs can ultimately feed into the landed cost of petroleum products imported by fuel-importing countries such as South Africa.”
“The current geopolitical situation underscores the importance of strengthening South Africa’s long‑term fuel security and supply resilience.”
As such, the association believes sustained collaboration between the fuel industry and government should focus on ensuring adequate strategic fuel reserves and maintaining reliable import and logistics infrastructure.
FIASA also supports investment in port, storage, and distribution capacity, as well as the creation of a stable policy environment to facilitate investment across the fuel supply chain.
Despite this, South Africa currently only has two operational crude oil refineries, namely Natref and Astron, while the Sasol Secunda coal-to-liquids plant also produces oil domestically.
While these facilities rely on crude oil imports from West Africa, the Astron Energy plant is currently shut down for maintenance.
“However, as part of standard operational planning, the company has secured sufficient fuel imports to cover supply requirements during this maintenance period,” the department confirmed.
It has to be noted that South Africa’s refineries can process only around 250,000 barrels of oil per day, which is less than half of South Africa’s daily average usage.
To ensure a continued stable fuel supply, FIASA encourages motorists to maintain normal fuel-purchasing behaviour.
“Sudden changes in buying patterns can create artificial pressure on the supply system, which may unintentionally worsen the situation.”
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