Many filling stations across South Africa have run out of petrol and diesel ahead of the big price increases on 1 April 2026.
On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources published the official fuel price adjustments.
Following the United States’ initiation of war against Iran on 28 February 2026 in “Operation Epic Fury”, escalations in the Middle East threw markets into chaos.
Retaliatory strikes by Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent global oil prices soaring past $100 a barrel.
As investors adopted a risk-off stance, emerging market currencies, including the South African rand, weakened.
The combination of high oil prices and a weak rand meant that petrol and diesel prices were set for the biggest increases in South Africa’s history.
In a bid to soften the blow to motorists, the National Treasury announced it would temporarily cut the fuel levy by R3.00 per litre.
Even with the lower fuel levy, petrol prices will still increase by R3.06 per litre. Diesel prices will see a staggering R7.37 and R7.51 per litre leap.
From Wednesday, 95 Petrol will cost R23.36 per litre while the wholesale price for Diesel 0.005% will jump to R26.11.
These large increases prompted many motorists to fill up their cars early this week to capitalize on lower prices.
However, many people who left it until Tuesday were met with filling stations which have run out of petrol and diesel.
BusinessTech visited numerous filling stations on Tuesday evening, and many of them had no petrol or diesel left.
The petrol attendants said that they were waiting for stock to arrive, adding that they did not expect any diesel before tomorrow.
At one of the stations, the fuel tanker had arrived, and motorists were queuing for when the petrol became available.
Some fuel station owners have also stopped selling diesel to capitalise from the higher prices which kick in on 1 April 2026.
Social media comments point to fuel shortages
Many social media posts from across South Africa pointed to petrol and diesel shortages at many filling stations.
“Engen had no patrol or diesel since just after 16:00 today. When I asked why there is no sign, they said they were not allowed to, as they would get into trouble,” one user said.
“Sunninghill folks, the Engen above Checkers is saying they don’t have petrol, in case you thought you’d fill up on the way home,” said another.
Other comments also showed fuel shortages or filling stations withholding diesel until the price increases kick in.
“Engen garage is telling patrons that they have run out of diesel. I was reliably informed by an attendant that they are waiting for the midnight increase,” said one motorist.
“Engen and Astron Energy have closed fuel stations, waiting for the price increase to be effective. They are pretending not to have fuel,” said another.
“I went to Engen Malibongwe Drive opposite River Gate, Astron on Parklands main road, they are doing exactly the same thing.”
Economist’s view on the fuel levy and diesel shortages
Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt is not in favour of the lower fuel levy, saying it will significantly impact government revenue.
“Reducing the fuel levies is not a good idea. Remember, the fiscal accounts are in deep trouble. This is just cheap politics,” Roodt said.
“In the end, what is going to happen is that there will need to be an increase in other taxes to make up the shortfall, or the state will have to spend less.”
He argued that an easier solution would have been for the government to borrow to cover the shortfall.
However, this was most likely unpalatable because of South Africa’s substantial debt burden, which has reached concerning levels.
Roodt defended fuel station owners’ decision to stop selling diesel ahead of the price increases, saying it makes commercial sense to them.
“It is the reality of life. They are looking out for their own interests, like motorists filling up their cars ahead of a steep price increase. Don’t blame them,” he said.
“The reality is that there is a scarcity and an increase in fuel prices, and the filling stations are doing what any rational person would have done.”
Photos of filling stations on Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Source: BusinessTech