Fuel rationing concerns grow as Cape Town motorists report 35-litre limits
Motorists report fuel limits at Cape Town pumps despite assurances of no national shortage.
Image: AI / ChatGPT
A Durbanville woman’s attempt to fill her tank is fuelling concern across Cape Town, after she says she was told she could only buy 35 litres of petrol, despite government assurances that there is no national fuel shortage.
Her experience comes as Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has warned of possible fuel hoarding and called for urgent national intervention.
“This is unethical. I implore suppliers to continue providing fuel for their clients. Withholding supply places the economy and livelihoods at great risk,” Winde said.
Faranaaz Brown said she was left confused when a petrol attendant informed her of the limit, allegedly imposed by the station owner.
“I felt very sorry for the petrol attendant… he was very apologetic,” she said.
Brown said she initially thought she had missed a major development, prompting her to phone her husband, who suggested the restriction could be linked to anticipated fuel price increases and possible stock withholding.
What began as a single encounter quickly escalated online.
Brown said her initial post has since drawn more than 450 comments, with users from across Cape Town and other parts of the country claiming they had experienced similar limits at petrol stations.
“I know this is a hot-button topic right now… People are stressed and emotions are high,” she said.
The concerns come as global oil markets react to tensions in the Middle East, fuelling fears of price increases rather than immediate supply shortages.
Winde had earlier, on March 23, sought to reassure residents that there was sufficient fuel available in the province.
“We understand the growing concern… Let me reassure you: there is currently enough fuel in the Western Cape,” he said.
At the same time, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has sought to calm fears, stating that South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable.
“Despite the heightened geopolitical risk… the Republic’s current petroleum supply security arrangement remains robust,” Mantashe said.
There has been no official announcement of fuel rationing in South Africa.
The conflicting messages have left residents uncertain, with some reporting they have had to visit multiple stations or encountered limits.
Some motorists in the Cape Town CBD said the situation was fuelling concern about potential shortages.
“Even if there isn’t a shortage now, it feels like one is coming… I’m worried we’re going to see empty pumps next week,” one motorist said.
“The problem is uncertainty… it makes you think something bigger is coming, especially with the price increase,” another added.
While there is no official confirmation of widespread rationing, authorities have warned that certain practices could be unlawful.
The Competition Commission South Africa has cautioned that price gouging is illegal, including increasing prices ahead of official fuel hikes.
Mantashe has also indicated that withholding fuel supply to manipulate prices would be illegal and subject to enforcement.
Industry body the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa said there is currently sufficient fuel available nationally, suggesting that any shortages at pump level are not due to a national supply shortage.
For many residents, the issue is no longer about global supply chains, but whether they can fill up at their local petrol station.