Fear and uncertainty over fuel shortage creep in at some Joburg petrol stations

Fear and uncertainty are beginning to surface at some petrol stations in Johannesburg, despite the government insisting there is no fuel shortage.

EWN visited some petrol stations along the R59 that have started limiting diesel sales.

Customers are only allowed to purchase up to 30 litres.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources maintains there is no crisis and has urged motorists not to panic-buy.

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The government warns panic buying could place unnecessary pressure on the fuel supply.

On the ground, the mood is noticeably tense, with some motorists queuing earlier than usual out of fear of looming price hikes and possible supply constraints linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Petrol attendants, speaking off the record, said limits on diesel are being enforced in response to increased demand, with some customers attempting to fill multiple containers.

Consumers who spoke to EWN said they are uncertain about what lies ahead, even as the government continues to reassure the public that South Africa has sufficient fuel stocks and that no disaster is imminent.

“I tried to fill up my Land Cruiser, but I am limited to only 30 litres. Government says there’s no problem but clearly, we are the ones who are experiencing this downside”

Authorities said a hysteria at the pumps could create the very problem motorists are trying to avoid.

FUEL LIMITS

Fuel limits are being introduced at some petrol stations along Johannesburg’s R59, despite the government insisting there is no national shortage.

Station managers declined to comment on the 30-litre cap, referring queries to corporate offices.

Motorists are seen making multiple attempts to purchase fuel, with some trying to circumvent limits amid fears of an imminent price increase.

“Hearing from other customers, other garages are closed, they don’t pour petrol, others have increased their prices dramatically. We don’t know when this 30-litre limit will last.”

The restrictions suggest pressure at a retail level, likely driven by a surge in demand and stock management concerns.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources maintains that any supply disruptions are local and logistical, not a result of national shortages or international developments.