Cape Town is facing fuel shortages as several petrol stations run dry, causing frustration among motorists. The shortages are attributed to an unexpected outage at the Astron refinery in Milnerton, which disrupted the supply of Unleaded Petrol 95 (ULP 95). Many stations, including BP, Shell, and Engen, have been affected, leading some residents to drive long distances in search of fuel.

According to Astron Energy, operational issues at the refinery are to blame, while other companies like Engen are exploring backup strategies to manage the crisis. The situation has raised concerns over South Africa’s growing reliance on imported petroleum, with delays in fuel shipments further compounding the issue. Industry experts warn that this may continue until supply stabilizes, urging motorists to keep their tanks full as a precaution.

The country’s declining refining capacity, which has fallen due to plant closures and new low-sulfur fuel requirements, adds to the challenges, prompting calls for investment in infrastructure to mitigate future shortages​