It could lead to regions like Gauteng, running out of diesel entirely.

The shadow minister of energy has issued a stern warning regarding a very serious shortage of diesel in South Africa. The country’s diesel reserves have been depleted, and not yet replaced. Government has assured the nation that there is no need to panic, but it seems that regions like Gauteng are facing a very real threat of running out of diesel entirely. It’s estimated that it will still take “at least a week” for diesel to reach inland markets, leaving some wholesalers in places like Free State and North West on the brink. Apparently, theft of a fuel pipeline is also causing issues with getting fuel to certain parts of the country.