Middle East conflict sparks fears of fuel rationing and petrol shortages in SA

SOUTH Africa faces a looming threat of fuel rationing, reminiscent of the 1973 oil crisis, as deepening conflict in the Middle East jeopardises the country’s vital supply chains and drives up prices.

- KAREN SINGH

AS SOUTH AFRICA faces the looming threat of fuel rationing due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, an expert warns of potential 6pm petrol station closures and reduced speed limits as drastic conservation measures may be reintroduced.

(CHRIS COLLINRIDGE Independent Newspapers)

Visiting Adjunct Professor, Rod Crompton, from the African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School, warns that if the conflict is prolonged, the government may be compelled to reintroduce drastic conservation measures.

He said these could include closing service stations after 6pm and on weekends, and dropping the national speed limit, echoing the steps taken during the 1973 crisis when the speed limit was reduced to 80km/h.

The possibility of fuel rationing and lengthy queues at pumps, Crompton stressed, hinges on the duration of the Iranian conflict.

A key factor, he noted, is whether the US can maintain secure oil and gas shipping lanes through the Straits of Hormuz.

“Unfortunately, it takes very few comparatively cheap drones to increase the risks to shipping in the Straits of Hormuz,’ Crompton noted, emphasising the fragility of this essential international supply route.