Fuel prices are skyrocketing, but what about supplies?

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has urged the public not to panic buy fuel amid fears of shortages and ahead of expected price hikes in April.

The ongoing war in the Middle East has increased concerns over global oil supplies, after Iran restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key transport route.

At home, there are renewed concerns about South Africa’s limited fuel reserves, which sit at around two weeks, far below the global benchmark of 90 days.

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However, the DMPR has said that while there may be isolated, localised disruptions, these do not amount to a national fuel shortage.

At the same time, it confirmed that one of two operational refineries is currently closed for maintenance.

The problem is the country's limited oil refining capacity, as it no longer refines all the crude oil it needs, says 702 resident motoring enthusiast Warren Tucker.

"South Africa consumes about 600,000 barrels a day of Brent crude, obviously turned into petrol and the other stuff we need from it. Currently 70-75% of our fuel is brought into SA... Big ships come, they berth at the ports, pump the finished product into storage facilities, and from there it's basically distributed across the country."

Tucker notes that South Africa gets only 18% of these imports from the Gulf region, with the bulk coming from other countries like Nigeria and India.

"There are tankers on the water, and they are on their way."

However, he says there have been reports of filling stations running dry in Gqeberha this week.

"A lot of trucks were standing because there was no supply. There are a couple of people I've spoken to who own big, tier-one filling stations that placed orders a week ago but were told that their allocations are closed until the first of April."

Tucker's advice is to keep your tank above half full and, if you can't avoid travelling long distances, to plan your route to include filling stations you know have fuel and ensure that you don't get stuck on the road.

To listen to Tucker in conversation with Gugs Mhlungu on 702's Weekend Breakfast, use the audio player below: