‘We have more than enough fuel in reserve’ – Western Cape Premier
· The South African
The Western Cape Government has moved to reassure residents that there is no fuel shortage in the province, despite growing concerns linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Premier Alan Winde said reserves remain stable and sufficient to meet demand across most sectors.
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“There is no cause for concern. There is more than enough fuel in reserve,” Winde confirmed.
The guarantee mirrors a nationwide announcement on Friday that was intended to calm public fears over a potential fuel shortage.
South African authorities assured motorists that there is no need for panic buying despite rising global oil prices.
In a joint statement released on Friday, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa said the country’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term.
Fuel supply in the Western Cape under close watch
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, alongside industry and government partners.
These include the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa, Agri Western Cape, Eskom and emergency services.
Officials say reports of shortages are limited and not due to a lack of supply. Instead, some suppliers are withholding fuel deliveries.
This has had the biggest impact on farmers, particularly in the Garden Route and West Coast. Some are reportedly receiving only about 20% of their usual diesel allocations.
Delivery delays spark concern in agriculture
The province has warned suppliers against delaying deliveries in anticipation of price increases.
“It is unethical for suppliers to delay the delivery of fuel,” Winde said, warning that legal action could follow.
The issue comes at a critical time for agriculture, as farmers prepare for fruit harvesting and winter grain planting.
“Fuel is a critical resource for the agricultural sector…it is unacceptable that unnecessary fuel rationing now poses an additional stressor,” Winde added.
Despite the concerns in agriculture, the government said all other sectors remain unaffected.
The Western Cape Government has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and provide updates if needed.