Demand spike, not shortage, behind fuel station constraints – Fuel Retailers Association

The Fuel Retailers Association has confirmed that it is not aware of any fuel shortages. 

This follows complaints from motorists who are reportedly struggling to find fuel. 

Fuel Retailers Association CEO Reggie Sibiya said that misinformation and social media-fuelled panic are raising fears, despite the government’s confirmation of sufficient stock.

RELATED: Mantashe dismisses fuel shortage concerns

"The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has been doing a good job in communicating this… [they] have been consistently showing motorists and the rest of the stakeholders that there is enough stock."

He said that the association is working closely with the department to address the situation. 

Sibiya explained that the constraints at some servicing stations are not due to shortages, but rather to a significant spike in demand combined with infrastructure limitations.

“If the demand spikes, it causes delays in the product being delivered to some of the sites.”

He added that customer behaviour has also been a contributing factor.

RELATED: Imminent fuel price surge triggers panic buying

"Some of the commercial customers, especially the small ones, have been coming to the service stations with bowsers, and the oil companies have been prioritising the service stations to ensure that the public is not affected."

Sibiya said the association has been working closely with the government to address the situation. 

To listen to Sibiya in conversation with CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: