In Nelson Mandela Bay, residents and businesses are facing significant fuel shortages as petroleum companies have started to limit supply. The restrictions, which blame the Gulf war for threatening local fuel availability, have resulted in many fuel stations running out of stock by early afternoon. This trend began earlier in the month, leading to increased frustration among consumers and businesses dependent on regular fuel access.

Johan du Plessis, the managing director of PE Fuels Group, has expressed concern over the rapid changes in fuel availability, stating that requests for fuel deliveries are being met with substantially reduced allocations. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many oil companies have started to ration fuel, implementing caps on sales per customer to manage the dwindling supplies. This has translated into additional challenges for drivers who rely on fuel for their daily commutes and operations.

Accompanying the fuel limits are rising prices, as surcharges have been introduced for both petrol and paraffin. These charges vary, ranging from 5 cents per liter for petrol to over R4 per liter for paraffin, further straining household budgets and operational costs for businesses. As the situation unfolds, the implications of these fuel shortages may lead to broader economic impacts in the region if not addressed promptly.