‘No need to rush to pumps’, govt tells motorists

Johannesburg – The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has reassured South Africans that fuel supply remains stable, warning against panic-buying driven by misinformation.

This follows rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have driven global oil prices above $100 per barrel and heightened uncertainty in energy markets.

It also comes amid the continued spread of messages and social media posts claiming fuel shortages and looming price increases.

In a statement issued on Friday, the department, together with the Fuels Industry Association, said there is “no basis for panic-buying” despite circulating messages urging motorists to rush to filling stations.

“The Department… wishes to firmly reiterate that South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, and there is no basis for panic-buying,” the statement read.

Officials acknowledged that some areas may experience limited disruptions but stressed these are not indicative of a broader crisis.

“While there may be isolated localised logistical challenges… these are operational in nature and do not constitute a national supply shortage,” the department said.

Authorities also dismissed claims linking local fuel concerns to global geopolitical tensions.

“It is therefore incorrect and misleading to link such isolated domestic logistical matters to broader geopolitical developments,” the statement said, warning that such claims “risk creating unnecessary alarm and confusion among the public.”

The department criticised calls for motorists to stockpile fuel, saying: “Calls for the public to rush to the pumps are irresponsible. They place undue pressure on supply systems, congestion at service stations, and anxiety among consumers.”

It urged organisations, public figures and social media users to act responsibly and avoid spreading unverified information.

“Members of the public are encouraged to continue purchasing fuel in the normal course and to rely on official government communication for accurate and verified information,” the department said.

The department added that it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates through official channels.