Tau assures Parliament fuel shortage will be prevented amid US-Iran conflict

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau has assured Parliament that systems are in place to prevent a fuel shortage due to the ongoing United States (US) and Iran conflict.

Tau said while the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has put a strain on the global fuel supply, affecting prices and inflation, South Africa is working to ease the pressure on its consumers.

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Tau participated in a debate of national public importance over the conflict in Parliament on Thursday.

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane sponsored Thursday's debate on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East following the recent US attack on Iran and its implications on South Africa.

He said the conflict will not remain confined to the Middle East and will travel through energy markets, supply chains, and into the daily lives of South Africans.

But Tau said the country has put contingencies in place to ease the impact on South Africa in terms of fuel supply.

“Government has put in place systems to prevent a fuel shortage. Minister Gwede Mantashe and his department have acted decisively to secure alternative sources of fuel and provide security of supply. The strategic fuel fund remains intact and available.”

Tau said alternative supply is underway, but the reality is that the price of fuel is rising, and no country can avoid it.