Motorists are being urged to buy fuel as per normal

Limits on diesel sales at some Johannesburg filling stations are raising questions about fuel supply, but the government maintains that there is no national shortage.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources insists that South Africa has enough fuel and said that any disruptions are local and temporary.

However, global uncertainty, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, is driving concerns about possible price increases. 

This means any prolonged instability abroad can push up the cost of crude oil.

Costs eventually filter down to motorists and affect the price of transport, food and other goods.

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Industry leaders and government warn that panic buying can distort demand, leading to local supply pressures even when national stock levels remain stable.

Department Spokesperson Lerato Ntsoko said, "Despite volatility in global energy markets arising from ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Fuel consignments for March and early April 2026 were secured prior to the recent escalation in global tensions.

"These deliveries have commenced and are expected to adequately sustain national supply over the coming weeks."

Motorists are being urged to buy fuel as per normal while authorities continue to monitor both global developments and local supply chains.