Motorists across South Africa are being urged to remain alert following allegations that some fuel stations may be deliberately running dry in anticipation of a sharp price increase expected next week.
Reports suggest that certain retailers could be withholding fuel supplies to benefit from a projected hike of around R9 per litre, raising concerns about possible profiteering within the sector.
Economist Dawie Roodt has cautioned that such practices, while potentially occurring, raise both ethical and legal questions.
“Some of the fuel stations say they ran out of fuel, but they are actually holding fuel in anticipation of a higher petrol price, or a higher diesel price,” said Roodt.
He added that while the practice may be possible, its legality remains unclear.
“In some cases, it’s completely legal, and I think in most cases it’s completely illegal. So, there’s no legal objection to this. There could be a moral objection to this,” he said.
Authorities have called on consumers to report suspicious “no stock” claims as scrutiny intensifies on fuel retailers accused of exploiting the anticipated increase.
The situation has sparked renewed concerns about transparency and accountability within the country’s fuel supply chain, particularly during periods of expected price adjustments.