File: Illustration picture shows filling diesel in a car at a filling station.
JOHANNESBURG - As diesel runs short across the country, AgriCulture South Africa and the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa are calling for an immediate increase in fuel prices, instead of Wednesday’s scheduled hike.
The two organisations say panic buying, supply tightness and delivery delays have left many service stations without diesel, disrupting farming operations.
Fuel stations in Kakamas and Upington have reportedly run dry, while other provinces are restricting sales to between 40 and 100 litres per customer.
The situation comes ahead of record fuel price increases expected on Wednesday, with diesel set to rise by more than R10 a litre and 95 unleaded petrol by over R5.80.
The organisations say the monthly price adjustment system discourages suppliers from bringing in fuel during periods of sudden global price spikes, increasing the risk of shortages.
They’re urging an out-of-cycle price adjustment and more frequent reviews to stabilise supply and curb panic buying.