GEORGE NEWS - Between the foot-and-mouth disease and mounting diesel supply pressures, the farmers of the Garden Route are facing an exceptionally difficult year.

While government statements maintain that fuel stocks remain stable, farmers across the region are reporting increasing difficulties accessing diesel and other fuels. 

The Fuel Retailers Association has confirmed isolated supply issues, largely due to delays in distribution rather than a national shortage.

Supply constraints hit farmers hardest

Agri Western Cape CEO Jannie Strydom said the feedback from farmers indicates the situation is more difficult than official statements suggest. “70% to 75% of the feedback indicated that they do not have access to fuel,” he said. 

In some cases, farmers are receiving as little as 20% of their usual monthly diesel allocations, and Strydom attributes these shortages to a likely blockage in the supply chain.

According to Laubscher Coetzee, chairperson of Agri Western Cape, farmers are also trying to buy enough ahead of the expected price increase, particularly as it is planting and harvesting season.

The timing of these disruptions could not have been worse. Fuel accounts for 12% to 18% of input costs, and limited access is forcing some farmers to consider scaling back operations.

Dean Barnard, a farmer from Waboomskraal, said he had ordered diesel early last week, but had still not received the delivery by Tuesday. 

“Our orders have been placed, but so far no deliveries have been possible. We approached two separate companies last week, but neither was able to supply the fuel. Hopefully, some diesel will come through somewhere. Until then, we wait,” he said.

Another farmer in Herold said while they managed to fill their tanks in time, others were not as fortunate.

Suppliers under pressure

Suppliers are also feeling the strain. In a notice to members earlier this month, the Sentraal-Suid Koöperasie (SSK) in Herold said fuel stocks remain under “significant pressure” due to global market volatility and ongoing supply disruptions. Werner Kruger, SSK’s commercial COO, said frequent stock-outs make it difficult to service clients at normal levels. 

“It is difficult to give more details as the situation is constantly changing due to supply pressure. We are doing our best to secure fuel to service our members and customers, but it takes time and it is difficult to link specific timelines to this as the whole industry is under strain,” he said.

In a notice issued on 18 March, Moov Energy warned customers of severe disruptions, closing its order book “until further notice”. 

While orders can still be placed, delivery timelines cannot be guaranteed until supply stabilises.

Price hikes add to anxiety

The anticipated fuel price increase in April, projected at R7 to R10 per litre, is adding further anxiety for farmers. Authorities have urged residents not to hoard fuel, warning that panic buying could worsen the already strained supply chains.

Industry bodies AgriSA and Agbiz have confirmed that while fuel supply constraints exist in some areas, these are geographically dispersed rather than indicative of a nationwide shortage. 

Following engagement with the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, a survey among more than 1 000 producers and over 100 fuel retail sites showed that many retailers have introduced daily fuel restrictions, limiting purchases to 50L per client.

Despite the pressure, AgriSA and Agbiz said there is no evidence of widespread price gouging, and isolated incidents are regarded as exceptions.

Johan Serdyn is getting the job done. In a time of fuel uncertainty, South Africa’s farmers continue to push forward because when they stop, everything stops.

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