Mantashe dismisses fuel shortage concerns

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe is urging South Africans not to panic about a possible fuel shortage.

He said there's no shortage of diesel, paraffin, petrol and jet fuel at this point, during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Iran, Israel and the US.

Mantashe gave the assurance while responding to MPs in the National Assembly as part of the economics cluster.

Mantashe was questioned by the ANC’s Fasiha Hassam on whether, given the heightened global instability and Middle East conflict, South Africa has made arrangements to ensure fuel supply.

Mantashe said products destined for South Africa are being allowed through the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.

He said there’s no reason to hit the panic button because the country has stable refineries and also sources its crude oil from Africa and not the Middle East.

"Nigeria being a major supplier of crude. Then we process that crude in our refining capacity. So that’s where we are, there’s no reason to panic, supply is secured. Now I can tell you up to the until the end of April, including jet fuel, which has been announced as short, it’s not short."

Mantashe said while there’s no jet fuel shortage, it has almost doubled in price.

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