However, industry leaders have said the issue is not a lack of fuel in the country, but the ability to get it to forecourts quickly enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking to News24, the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa said supply depots still have stock available, but delivery networks are under pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pressure on local fuel supplies comes amid heightened concern over global energy markets following tensions involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world\u2019s most important oil and gas shipping routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The closure has raised fears about global supply disruptions and added to already soaring fuel costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africa has some protection from this because its crude oil is largely sourced from Africa and the Atlantic basin rather than the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calls for government assistance <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mark-Burke-the-DA-spokesperson-on-finance-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a>Mark Burke, the DA spokesperson on finance<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHowever, the country remains vulnerable to diesel shortages, as most of its finished diesel imports come from countries such as India, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another complicating factor is the way diesel is priced. Unlike petrol, which is regulated, diesel prices are not fixed by the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wholesalers and retailers are free to set their own prices, which creates room for sharp price differences between service stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With diesel expected to rise by around R10 per litre and petrol by roughly R6 per litre in April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concerns have also emerged that some stations may be trying to preserve existing stock to sell it at much higher prices once the increase kicks in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In areas where fuel is still available, some petrol stations in Johannesburg and other major cities have reportedly started rationing supply, limiting motorists to 30 litres per vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As diesel runs short across the country, AgriCulture South Africa and the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa have said<\/a> the fuel shortage has already impacted farmers. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt noted that panic buying, supply tightness and delivery delays have left many service stations without diesel, disrupting farming operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fuel stations in Kakamas and Upington have reportedly run dry, while other provinces are restricting sales to between 40 and 100 litres per customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>However, the country remains vulnerable to diesel shortages, as most of its finished diesel imports come from countries such as India, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another complicating factor is the way diesel is priced. Unlike petrol, which is regulated, diesel prices are not fixed by the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wholesalers and retailers are free to set their own prices, which creates room for sharp price differences between service stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With diesel expected to rise by around R10 per litre and petrol by roughly R6 per litre in April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concerns have also emerged that some stations may be trying to preserve existing stock to sell it at much higher prices once the increase kicks in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In areas where fuel is still available, some petrol stations in Johannesburg and other major cities have reportedly started rationing supply, limiting motorists to 30 litres per vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As diesel runs short across the country, AgriCulture South Africa and the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa have said<\/a> the fuel shortage has already impacted farmers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It noted that panic buying, supply tightness and delivery delays have left many service stations without diesel, disrupting farming operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fuel stations in Kakamas and Upington have reportedly run dry, while other provinces are restricting sales to between 40 and 100 litres per customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n