Image Source: The Witness
Local – Despite fears of a major fuel hike, the public is urged not to panic or rush to petrol stations. Officials said the alarm spreading across social media and messaging platforms has no basis in fact.
The warning comes after misinformation circulated widely online, with some organisations and individuals stoking fears of an imminent fuel shortage. The DMPR has since moved to set the record straight.
“The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has noted with concern the circulation of statements and messages by certain organisations and individuals encouraging members of the public to rush to filling stations due to a perceived fuel shortage and anticipated fuel price increases.”
South Africa’s fuel supply is not under threat, authorities said, and consumers have been asked to continue purchasing fuel as normal. The reassurance comes from both the government and the country’s organised fuel sector.
The DMPR and the Fuels Industry Association said the current situation does not warrant any change in consumer behaviour, and that public anxiety on the matter is unfounded.
“The Department and Fuels Industry Association wish to firmly reiterate that South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, and there is no basis for panic-buying.”
Consumers Encountered Delays
Reports of localised fuel shortages have emerged in parts of the country, prompting concern and feeding an already-charged online narrative. Officials have urged South Africans not to read too much into these experiences.
While some consumers may have personally encountered delays or struggled to find fuel in their area, authorities say these reflect logistical hiccups rather than a systemic failure. The department said any disruptions are being actively managed.
“While there may be isolated localised logistical challenges affecting the movement or availability of fuel in certain areas, these are operational in nature and do not constitute a national supply shortage.”
Attempts to Tie Local Distribution Disruptions
Officials have rejected any narrative linking domestic fuel issues to global events, warning of the damage such claims can cause. The department described the connection as inaccurate and harmful.
Concerns have grown that misleading framing on social media is distorting public understanding of what is a manageable and localised situation. The DMPR said linking local logistics to geopolitical developments is both incorrect and irresponsible.
“It is therefore incorrect and misleading to link such isolated domestic logistical matters to broader geopolitical developments. Such claims risk creating unnecessary alarm and confusion among the public.”
Public Calls to Stock Up on Fuel
Those encouraging South Africans to rush to petrol stations have drawn a rebuke from the department, which described such calls as a threat to an otherwise stable system. Officials said the pressure placed on supply chains and service stations by panic-buying is entirely avoidable.
The DMPR and the Fuels Industry Association called on public figures, commentators, and social media users to refrain from spreading unverified claims about fuel prices or availability.
“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.”
