Amid rising concerns over fuel shortages in the Western Cape, Premier Alan Winde accuses suppliers of hoarding petrol for profit, urging the public not to panic. According to the Central Energy Fund, petrol prices are expected to increase by up to R4.74 per litre and diesel by R7.73 per litre in April, with further deterioration possible if oil prices hold.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) reiterated that South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, and there is no basis for panic-buying. As stated on the Department of Mineral Resources website, the country has a robust fuel supply chain that can withstand minor disruptions.
Fuel Hoarding Allegations
Winde said that while the province has recognised the impact of the Middle East conflict on the fuel supply, there is no cause for concern. However, he alleged that some suppliers are hoarding fuel to sell it at the higher price, which is unacceptable. The Premier said they picked up reports of shortages since last Tuesday and have been working with the fuel industry to resolve the issue.
Efforts to Address the Shortages
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is monitoring the situation, in coordination with FIASA, Agri Western Cape (Agri WC), Regional Disaster Management Centres, the Department of Health and Wellness: EMS, and Eskom. A meeting with the fuel industry was held to discuss the conflicting messages, with some suppliers claiming they have sufficient fuel, while others are experiencing shortages.
Some of the key issues include:
- Fuel hoarding by suppliers to sell at higher prices
- Logistical challenges affecting the movement or availability of fuel in certain areas
- Possible further deterioration of oil prices
Winde said they are working to draw up a matrix of where the complaints are coming from so that they can ask the fuel industry to intervene, and if they don’t, then they will have to take further action.
