‘Enough fuel; don’t panic buy’

The Fuel Industry Association and the government say motorists should not make panic fuel purchases. (Photo: afriforum.co.za)

Motorists should not make fuel purchases in a panic due to messages about an apparent fuel shortage and expected price increases, say the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPH) and the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa.

The department as well as the association say they note with concern statements and messages in which certain organizations and individuals encourage the public to attack petrol stations. This is due to statements and messages distributed by certain organizations in which they encourage the public to visit gas stations due to the apparent impending shortage.

“In the short term, South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable and there is no reason for panic buying,” says the statement.

Although isolated, local logistical challenges affect the delivery or availability of fuel in certain areas, these are of an operational nature and do not indicate a national supply deficit, say the two institutions. “These issues are actively managed through established industry and regulatory channels.”

They believe that connecting isolated logistical incidents with broader geopolitical developments is misleading and can cause panic and confusion among the public.

The department calls on organisations, public representatives, commentators and social media users to act responsibly and not spread unconfirmed claims about fuel supply or the fuel price.

“The public can purchase fuel in the normal way and rely on official government communications for confirmed information.”

Consumers who experience fuel-related challenges or wish to submit complaints can send an email to (email protected) which will enable the department’s inspectors to respond and, where necessary, intervene.