Minister Mantashe reassures South Africans of stable fuel supply amid global tensions
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe says the reduction of the fuel levy for the period between April and June is not a permanent solution to the fuel crisis.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe told South Africans on Tuesday that the country has enough fuel supply to meet demand, even with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East affecting the global economy.
Speaking during the 2026 budget vote in the National Assembly, he pointed out that the budget was presented during tough times for the global economy, which has disrupted energy supply chains and made economic recovery harder.
“In this era, where energy security is intrinsically linked to national stability, we cannot stand on the sidelines and be passive observers,” he said.
Mantashe said the budget was the strategic response to the geopolitical realities, a commitment to protecting people’s livelihoods, securing energy future, and anchoring the economy against the rising tides of international instability and price volatility.
He noted that his department, together with the National Treasury, has introduced temporary relief measures, including a reduction of the fuel levy for the period between April and June.
“While South Africans have welcomed this intervention, we are fully aware that it is not a permanent solution,” he said.
“The reality confronting us is that South Africa remains overly dependent on imported refined petroleum products. It is neither sustainable nor just for a country with significant mineral and petroleum potential like ours to remain exposed to external supply shocks.”
He stated that their focus was on developing the Upstream Petroleum Industry.
Mantashe said it was imperative that the processing of the South African National Petroleum Company Bill be sped up to enable the full operationalisation of the South African National Petroleum Company, to enable meaningful and strategic state participation in the oil and gas sectors.
“While global fuel supply challenges persist, I would like to assure the people of South Africa that we have sufficient fuel supply to meet demand, and that our fuel supply remains stable.
“Working closely with industry stakeholders, we continue to monitor the supply situation and will ensure ongoing transparency in this regard.”