Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has warned that Africa must urgently reduce its dependence on imports as instability in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global energy security and supply chains.
Speaking at the inaugural National Transport Conference in Midrand, Tau cautioned that the continent could face significant shortages if it fails to strengthen local production and regional value chains.
“We can’t wait to be hungry to solve those problems,” he said, highlighting the risks posed by ongoing disruptions to trade through the critical oil and gas corridor.
The Strait of Hormuz, which carries a significant share of the world’s crude oil, has been heavily impacted by the escalating Middle East conflict, driving global oil prices higher in recent weeks.
Tau questioned how Africa would respond if key imports from the Middle East were cut off, stressing the need for stronger integration of food and logistics value chains across the continent.
“If we’re not going to get supplies of certain goods and products from the Middle East, where will we find those?” he asked.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the crisis has underscored the strategic importance of South Africa’s ports, suggesting the country could position itself as an alternative shipping hub when major global routes are disrupted.
“Our ports are geared to handle any eventuality at short notice and to respond to any geopolitical environment that is becoming more and more unpredictable,” Ramaphosa said. He added that coastal shipping would play a key role in advancing regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Meanwhile, the conflict is expected to have a direct impact on South African motorists. With the country heavily reliant on imported fuel, rising oil prices could translate into steep increases at the pumps.
Estimates based on Central Energy Fund data suggest petrol prices could rise by nearly R4 per litre, while diesel may increase by as much as R6.75 per litre if current conditions persist.
International reports indicate that oil prices have continued to climb as tensions escalate, with several countries resisting calls from US President Donald Trump to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran continues targeting oil-producing neighbours.
The disruption of traffic through the vital Gulf waterway, which facilitates roughly a fifth of global crude oil shipments, has intensified concerns over supply stability and economic fallout worldwide.