Fuel Rationing Hits Parts of South Africa as Global Fuel Crisis Deepens

Concerns about South Africa’s fuel supply are growing after several businesses began introducing diesel sales restrictions, even as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says there is currently no immediate risk of fuel shortages in the country.

One of the latest notices comes from BKB Retail & Fuels, which informed customers that fuel sales will be rationed with immediate effect due to supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

According to the notice, the following limits will apply per vehicle per day:

• Diesel vehicles: 80 litres
• Trucks: 400 litres
• Petrol vehicles: 45 litres

The company also said filling diesel bowsers or containers will not be permitted unless there is an existing contractual agreement.

At the same time, similar measures are being introduced elsewhere in the country.

The VKB Group has begun limiting diesel purchases at its outlets to 80 litres per customer per day from 11 March. The company said the decision followed restrictions placed on resellers by fuel suppliers as they manage available stock.

Another agricultural business, OVK Limited, has temporarily closed its diesel ordering book at some distribution points, citing sudden price increases from suppliers. Customers wanting diesel must now contact branch managers directly for quotes while the company reviews the situation.

These developments come as global shipping disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect energy markets. The passage handles roughly 20 percent of global oil supply, making it one of the world’s most critical oil transport routes.

While government insists fuel supply remains stable, rising international prices are expected to push local fuel costs sharply higher.

Data from the Central Energy Fund shows that the wholesale price of 50ppm diesel could increase by about R6.02 per litre in April if current oil prices and exchange rates remain unchanged.

The situation remains fluid with roughly three weeks left before the official April fuel price adjustment is announced. Oil markets could still shift depending on how the Middle East situation unfolds.

For truckers, farmers, and other diesel-heavy industries, the emerging rationing measures are already raising questions about how tight supply could become if global disruptions continue.