Pretoria -The Division of Mineral and Petroleum Sources has moved to allay fears of a potential gas scarcity arising from the continued battle within the Center East.
The U.S.-Israeli assaults on Iran, now of their second week, have severely disrupted world vitality provides by successfully closing the Strait of Hormuz and damaging regional oil infrastructure.
In a press release on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, the division sought to reassure the general public relating to the standing of gas provide in South Africa.
The division stated it stays in steady contact with oil firms working within the nation to make sure the soundness and safety of gas provide, whereas intently monitoring developments within the Center East and their potential impression on world oil markets and gas costs.
“Whereas extended geopolitical tensions might exert stress on worldwide oil costs, the Division needs to guarantee the general public that there’s presently no rapid threat of gas shortages in South Africa,” the division stated.
“Regardless of the closure of a number of refineries lately, South Africa presently has two operational crude oil refineries, specifically NATREF and Astron Vitality, along with the Sasol Secunda coal-to-liquids plant, which continues to play a crucial function in home gas manufacturing.”
The division defined that these services depend on crude oil imports sourced primarily from West Africa and more and more from different nations throughout the African continent.
“The Astron Vitality refinery is presently present process a deliberate upkeep shutdown,” acknowledged the division.
“Nonetheless, as a part of customary operational planning, the corporate has secured ample gas imports to cowl provide necessities throughout this upkeep interval.
“Sadly, the continued rise in worldwide crude oil costs is anticipated to lead to larger gas costs on the pump from April 2026.”
The division stated the under-recovery on gas costs has been fluctuating for the reason that onset of the battle, and it’ll proceed to intently monitor the state of affairs.
“Additional updates will probably be supplied in the end forward of the official April gas value changes,” acknowledged the division.
“Oil firms that presently import refined petroleum merchandise from nations affected by the battle are actively exploring various provide sources to make sure uninterrupted gas availability within the home market.”
The division stated it stays optimistic that the tensions will de-escalate within the close to future, which might assist stabilise world oil markets and contribute to improved gas value situations.
