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The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has assured South Africans that the country has enough oil reserves despite the continued tensions in the Middle East.
It comes as a relief for South Africans to learn that the country has enough fuel supply and that there is no need for panic. The department explained that it is in continuous contact of the two oil companies in the country to ensure that there is stability and security of fuel supply.
“While prolonged geopolitical tensions may exert pressure on international oil prices, the Department wishes to assure the public that there is currently no immediate risk of fuel shortages in South Africa.
Despite the closure of several refineries in recent years, South Africa currently has two operational crude oil refineries, namely NATREF and Astron Energy, in addition to the Sasol Secunda coal-to-liquids plant, which continues to play a critical role in domestic fuel production. These facilities rely on crude oil imports sourced primarily from West Africa and increasingly from other countries across the African continent,” said the department.
Currently, the country has one oil refinery operating at full capacity, while the other is undergoing regular maintenance. The DMPR said the Astron Energy refinery is currently undergoing a planned maintenance shutdown. However, as part of standard operational planning, the company has secured sufficient fuel imports to cover supply requirements during this maintenance period.
South Africa in recent years has been experiencing big multi-national companies exiting its market, causing serious concern regarding the country’s economy and unemployment rate, this included fuel companies as well. However, the DMPR has assured natives that there is enough fuel supply despite the challenge.
South Africans are further cautioned of rising global fuel prices.
“Unfortunately, the continued rise in international crude oil prices is expected to result in higher fuel prices at the pump from April 2026. The under-recovery on fuel prices has been fluctuating since the onset of the conflict, and the Department will continue to monitor the situation closely. Further updates will be provided in due course ahead of the official April fuel price adjustments.
Oil companies that currently import refined petroleum products from countries affected by the conflict are actively exploring alternative supply sources to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability in the domestic market.
The Department remains optimistic that the tensions will de-escalate in the near future, which would help stabilise global oil markets and contribute to improved fuel price conditions,” affirmed the department.
