South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has reassured the public that the country is not facing an immediate risk of fuel shortages, despite rising global oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting international energy markets.
The department said it continues to work closely with oil companies operating in the country to maintain the stability and security of fuel supply, while closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global oil markets.
“While prolonged geopolitical tensions may exert pressure on international oil prices, the Department wishes to assure the public that there is currently no immediate risk of fuel shortages in South Africa,” the department said in a statement.
South Africa’s fuel supply system remains supported by domestic production facilities and imports. Despite the closure of several refineries in recent years, the country still has two operational crude oil refineries — NATREF and Astron Energy — as well as the Sasol Secunda coal-to-liquids plant, which continues to play a key role in local fuel production.
These facilities rely primarily on crude oil imports sourced from West Africa, with additional supplies increasingly coming from other African countries.
However, Astron Energy’s refinery is currently undergoing a planned maintenance shutdown. The department said the company had taken steps to prevent any disruption to domestic fuel supply during this period.
“The Astron Energy refinery is currently undergoing a planned maintenance shutdown. However, as part of standard operational planning, the company has secured sufficient fuel imports to cover supply requirements during this maintenance period,” said the department.
The department acknowledged that global developments are already placing pressure on fuel prices. Rising international crude oil prices are expected to push pump prices higher in the coming months.
“Unfortunately, the continued rise in international crude oil prices is expected to result in higher fuel prices at the pump from April 2026.”
It added that fuel price under-recoveries have been fluctuating since the onset of the conflict affecting global oil markets, and authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely before announcing official price adjustments for April.
To further safeguard supply, oil companies importing refined petroleum products from countries affected by the conflict are seeking alternative sources.
“The Department remains in continuous contact with oil companies operating in the country to ensure the stability and security of fuel supply, while closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global oil markets and fuel prices,” said the department.
Looking ahead, the department expressed hope that geopolitical tensions would ease in the near future, which could help stabilise global oil markets and improve fuel price conditions.
“The Department remains optimistic that the tensions will de-escalate in the near future, which would help stabilise global oil markets and contribute to improved fuel price conditions,” read the statement.
