South Africans are not being ordered to work from home despite growing concern over a sharp fuel price hike expected in April. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has moved to clear up the confusion after remarks made at a fuel pricing workshop sparked backlash and online debate.

Department Clears Up Confusion

The row started after a senior official suggested that working from home could be one way for consumers to soften the impact of rising fuel costs. That comment quickly drew attention as motorists faced the prospect of record-high petrol prices linked to the Middle East crisis.

The department’s spokesperson, Lerato Ntsoko, later said the comment was not government policy and should not be treated as an official instruction. She said it came up during a discussion at a workshop and was mentioned only as one possible option that people or organisations could consider to reduce transport costs.

No Official Policy Change

According to the department, the workshop response was never presented as a directive, recommendation or policy intervention. That means workers do not have to expect any government-led push to stay home because of fuel prices.

Instead, the department said government is still engaging on fuel supply, fuel pricing and the wider cost-of-living pressure hitting households across the country. For many South Africans already stretched by food, transport and electricity costs, that clarity matters.

Pressure Builds Ahead of April Adjustment

At the same time, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has urged the public not to panic over a possible fuel shortage. He said vessels carrying cargo and supplies for South Africa are continuing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without interruption or threats of attack from Iran.

Mantashe also told Parliament there is little South Africa can do to shield itself from global oil price shocks. With the next fuel price announcement due next week, motorists are now watching closely for what could be another painful hit at the pumps.