The government of South Africa has warned citizens to prepare for a possible increase in fuel prices in April due to rising global oil costs linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The alert was issued by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), which said geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have pushed shipping costs and crude oil prices higher.
The department recently raised pump prices effective March 4, citing increased shipping rates and growing uncertainty in global energy markets.
According to the DMPR, if current oil price trends continue through the rest of March, motorists in South Africa could face record-breaking increases of up to six rand per litre when the next official price adjustment takes effect in April.
However, the department assured citizens that the country’s fuel supply remains stable, despite the volatile global situation.
South Africa’s domestic fuel production is supported by two operational refineries: Natref Refinery and Astron Energy.
These facilities rely largely on imported crude oil from West Africa and other African countries, making the country sensitive to international oil price fluctuations.
Meanwhile, the Astron Energy refinery is currently undergoing a planned maintenance shutdown. Authorities clarified that the maintenance work is not responsible for the potential fuel price increase.
Instead, the department said the expected hike is primarily linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impact on global oil markets.
Fuel Supply Secured
Despite the temporary refinery shutdown, the DMPR said Astron Energy has secured sufficient fuel imports to ensure that domestic supply remains uninterrupted during the maintenance period.
The department said it would continue monitoring global developments before announcing the official fuel price adjustment for April.
Officials also expressed hope that easing geopolitical tensions could help stabilise oil markets and prevent further increases in fuel prices.
