More than 1,000 fuel stations across South Africa have run out of petrol and diesel as thousands of motorists hit the roads for the Easter weekend.
The shortage comes after drivers rushed to fill their tanks before a major fuel price increase on 1 April. This sudden demand has left many stations dry and unable to keep up.
Gauteng is the worst affected province, with over 300 stations out of diesel and more than 200 without petrol. The Western Cape is also facing problems, with many stations reporting empty pumps.
The Fuels Industry Association says there is enough fuel in the country, but delivery trucks are struggling to restock stations quickly enough. Heavy traffic and increased travel have made the situation worse.
Officials say they are prioritising busy routes like the N1, where many people are travelling for the holidays.
In some areas, fuel stations have started limiting how much petrol each driver can buy. Rural areas are also affected, with farmers struggling to access diesel.
Experts expect the situation to improve early next week as deliveries catch up with demand. Until then, motorists are urged to plan their trips carefully and fill up when they can.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
