Diesel shortages are starting to surface at petrol stations across South Africa, with several sites in multiple provinces reportedly running out of 50ppm diesel.

According to reports, a widely shared community alert circulated on Tuesday evening listed a number of fuel stations and depots that had no 50ppm diesel stock available. The affected provinces included the Western Cape, Gauteng, Free State, North West and the Northern Cape.

The report points to growing strain at ground level, even as authorities insist there is no immediate national fuel supply crisis.

Western Cape Among Hardest-Hit Areas

In the Western Cape, the affected sites listed in the report included Bellville South, Paarl, Saldanha, Beaufort West and Swellendam.

Those locations are spread across major transport and supply routes, suggesting the problem is not isolated to one town or district. Other sites flagged in the alert included Kroonstad in the Free State, City Deep and Devland in Gauteng, Rustenburg in North West and Olifantshoek in the Northern Cape.

That broad spread has raised concern among motorists and businesses that rely heavily on diesel to keep moving.

Government Says No Need for Panic

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has said there is currently no immediate risk to the country’s overall fuel supply, according to the report. Officials have also indicated that contingency plans are in place and that fuel shipments are already on their way to South Africa.

Still, the article said supply management steps have already filtered down to consumers. Fuel companies have reportedly introduced controlled allocation measures to manage stock more evenly and prevent hoarding.

That may explain why some stations are dry while others still have supply.

Imported Fuel Leaves SA Exposed

South Africa’s growing dependence on imported refined fuel has made the system more vulnerable to global shocks. With several local refineries no longer operational, supply chains are more exposed to disruption.

It is also reported that diesel prices could jump by more than R7 a litre in April, based on Central Energy Fund data. Rising oil prices, a weaker rand and geopolitical uncertainty are all adding pressure.

For now, officials say there is no reason to panic. But with diesel already unavailable at some stations, the next few weeks could be key in showing whether these shortages stay isolated or spread further.