{"id":36890,"date":"2026-03-19T16:27:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/?p=36890"},"modified":"2026-03-20T05:29:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T03:29:27","slug":"sa-assures-stable-fuel-supply-amid-middle-east-tensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/2026\/03\/19\/sa-assures-stable-fuel-supply-amid-middle-east-tensions\/","title":{"rendered":"SA assures stable fuel supply amid Middle East tensions"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Image credit: AFP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Government has reassured South Africans that the country\u2019s fuel supply remains stable, despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says fuel shipments for March and early April were secured in advance and are already being delivered.<\/p>\n

However, global oil prices have risen above 100 dollars per barrel and are expected to place upward pressure on domestic fuel costs.<\/p>\n

“As a net importer of petroleum products, South Africa remains inherently exposed to these external dynamics. Sustained increases in international oil prices, coupled with exchange rate fluctuations, are expected to translate into higher domestic fuel prices in the months ahead,” the department said in a statement.<\/p>\n

Authorities say they are closely monitoring the situation while strengthening long-term energy security measures.<\/p>\n

“These interventions include the diversification of fuel import sources, the enhancement of strategic storage capacity, and the acceleration of key infrastructure investments. South Africa will continue to honour its regional supply obligations, while ensuring that the security of domestic fuel supply remains paramount.”<\/p>\n

Government says it continues to engage closely with industry stakeholders to monitor supply levels and assess emerging risks.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Economist Dawie Roodt, has warned that global pressures including ongoing tensions in the Middle East could still drive oil prices up and weaken the rand.<\/p>\n

Roodt says while South Africa’s Consumer Price Inflation<\/a> eased from 3.5% to 3% in February, it will likely increase due to global developments.<\/p>\n

“Unfortunately, what happened subsequently is we still have this war in the Middle East,\u00a0\u00a0which will push up crude prices and weaken the South African currency, and that will lead to\u00a0future inflationary pressures. So good news, but that’s water under the bridge.”<\/p>\n\t

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