By Dylan Bettencourt
- The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy spokesperson Lerato Ntsoko says fuel deliveries for March and early April 2026 were secured before the conflict with Iran escalated.
- The government plans to source fuel from more countries, build storage capacity and invest in infrastructure to keep supply stable.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) says South Africa has enough fuel for now, but warns that higher prices are expected from 1 April 2026.
Crude oil prices have shot past US$100 per barrel because of a conflict between the US, Israel and Iran. The fighting is also disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
DMRE spokesperson Lerato Ntsoko said fuel deliveries for March and early April were locked in before the conflict escalated.
“These deliveries have commenced and are expected to adequately sustain national supply over the coming weeks,” Ntsoko said.
She warned that, as a net importer of fuel, South Africa is exposed to rising oil prices and a weak rand.
“Sustained increases in international oil prices, coupled with exchange rate fluctuations, are expected to translate into higher domestic fuel prices in the months ahead,” she said.
Data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows the projected increases from 1 April, if nothing changes:
– Petrol 93: up R3.87 per litre
– Petrol 95: up R4.27 per litre
– Diesel 0.05%: up R7.04 per litre
– Diesel 0.005%: up R7.15 per litre
– Illuminating paraffin: up R8.19 per litre
Diesel users face the biggest increases.
Ntsoko said the government is working with industry to monitor supply levels and respond quickly if problems come up.
She said longer-term plans include bringing in fuel from more countries, building up storage capacity and investing in key infrastructure.
South Africa will keep supplying fuel to its neighbours, she said, while putting domestic supply first.
Pictured above: A petrol station.
Image source: File
