Only a third of garages in Oudtshoorn have fuel due to arts festival demand spike

Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape is facing fuel shortages as filling stations continue to grapple with supply constraints.

Freelance journalist Hannes Visser reported that diesel deliveries are expected to arrive, but the situation remains precarious.

"Of the six garages that are open 24/7, only two have fuel available."

The other four garages are either out of diesel or petrol and are waiting for deliveries that may not arrive.

Visser explained that the increased demand is due to the influx of visitors for the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK).

Rumours of distribution issues and price increases have further complicated the situation.

“The demands of the petrol stations are going to be much higher than usual. It's going to be a challenge for the service stations to keep up."

Visser spoke to one farmer, who echoed that many local farmers are worried about how this will affect their livelihoods.

"It has an existential meaning for his business and his livelihood. He's had to plan carefully to see where he'll get his fuel from."

She argued that the situation is a wake-up call for the province’s authorities to take a closer look at the fuel supply chain and find ways to mitigate these shortages.

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