JOHANNESBURG - Concerns over rising fuel prices and global tensions are starting to influence how South Africans plan their daily routines, with some considering working from home to cut down on travel costs.
This follows growing anxiety around a possible fuel price hike next month, which has already triggered isolated panic buying at some petrol stations.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has moved to calm fears, stressing that there is no fuel shortage in South Africa and no need for motorists to change their behaviour drastically.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, DMPR said recent reports misinterpreted remarks made by its Director of Fuel Pricing during a workshop on fuel pricing mechanisms.
The department explained that working from home was mentioned only as an example in response to a question during the discussion.
“It is therefore incorrect to report or interpret the response given during the workshop as an official position or policy proposal of the department or government,” the department said.
"The response was not presented as a directive, recommendation, or policy intervention, but rather as part of a broader discussion during the workshop."
The clarification comes as concerns grow over rising fuel prices and their impact on household budgets.
Government stressed that any official policy decisions would be formally communicated through the appropriate channels.
The department added that it continues to engage on issues related to fuel supply, fuel pricing, and the broader cost-of-living pressures affecting South Africans.
GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES POSITION ON WORKING FROM HOME AMID RISING FUEL COSTS pic.twitter.com/lDBgAahq2V
— Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (@DMPR_ZA) March 25, 2026