South Africans are watching the pumps closely as fuel shortage fears spread across parts of the Western Cape ahead of another expected price hike. While national government and the fuel industry say there is no immediate supply crisis, fresh reports from the province have raised concerns about local shortages, especially in diesel.

Western Cape Flags Local Shortages

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the province started picking up reports of shortages from last week. He said officials received conflicting information, with the fuel industry insisting supply was sufficient while complaints on the ground suggested some areas were running dry. Winde said the provincial government is mapping affected areas and pushing for intervention where shortages continue.

Winde also accused some suppliers of holding back fuel bought at the old price so it could later be sold after the expected increase. He described that practice as unacceptable and warned that restricting supply could hurt the wider economy. He added that while some areas had seen slight relief, complaints were still coming in from others.

Government Urges Calm

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa have both pushed back against claims of a national fuel shortage. In a joint message, they said the country’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term and urged motorists not to panic-buy. They also said isolated logistical issues in certain areas should not be confused with a broader national crisis.

That warning matters because panic-buying and hoarding can place even more pressure on local supply chains. Winde echoed that point, saying both suppliers and the public must avoid hoarding, even as motorists prepare for higher fuel costs in the coming days.

DA Plans Announcement as Pressure Builds

The Democratic Alliance said it would make an announcement at 11am on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, on South Africa’s escalating fuel price and the wider cost-of-living crisis. The announcement comes as households and businesses brace for another blow at the pumps, with official data already pointing to steep increases in both petrol and diesel from April.