South Africa’s (SA) Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has urged calm after reports on social media suggested a looming fuel shortage. The department described calls for motorists to rush to filling stations as “unverified and speculative.”

Spokesperson Lerato Ntsoko said the department is working with the Fuels Industry Association to maintain stable fuel supply. Any isolated logistical challenges affecting certain areas are operational and do not indicate a national shortage.

The department has called on social media users, public figures, and organisations to act responsibly and rely only on official government communications. “Calls for the public to rush to the pumps are irresponsible,” Ntsoko said. “They place undue pressure on supply systems, create congestion at service stations, and fuel unnecessary anxiety among consumers.”

Motorists are encouraged to continue buying fuel as normal and trust official sources for accurate information.

–ChannelAfrica–