Panic buying causes petrol shortages in South Africa, warns government

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has attributed the current fuel shortages as due to logistics and consumer behaviour rather than a lack of supply. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated that the South African government does not rely on the Middle East for crude oil, as it only sources refined products from that region. She confirmed that fuel supplies in the country are stable and urged citizens to avoid panic buying and hoarding, which could worsen the situation.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Ntshavheni said the country’s crude oil comes from Angola and Nigeria. “Cabinet joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in calling for an immediate ceasefire in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which is negatively affecting the Middle East region and the world,” she said. “Cabinet is kept abreast of the security of domestic fuel supply, which is affected by the ongoing war, and it was assured that South Africa’s fuel system remains adequately supplied in the immediate period.” Ntshavheni emphasised that South Africa only relies on theMiddle Eastfor refined products.