Government urges the public not to panic-buy amid expected fuel price hikes in April

The Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum has urged the public not to panic-buy in fear of fuel shortages and expected price hikes in April.

This follows a sharp rise in the price of Brent crude oil, a key component in fuel production which has increased by about 8 percent this week to around 113 dollars per barrel, before easing to 108 dollars a barrel.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has increased concerns over global oil supplies, after restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the department’s head of communications Lerato Ntsoko said that while there may be isolated, localised disruptions, these do not amount to a national fuel shortage.

"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. The department calls all organisations, public representatives, commentators and social media users to act responsibly and to refrain from spreading unverified or speculative claims regarding fuel supply and fuel price developments."