The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has sounded the alarm over emerging diesel shortages and rising fuel prices, warning that the disruptions could threaten the smooth take-off of the country’s multi-billion-rand citrus export season.
Despite official assurances that national fuel supply remains stable, the association confirmed on Monday that it has received multiple reports of limited diesel availability at selected fuel stations. Industry sources attribute the situation to unusual buying behaviour and controlled allocation by suppliers, as global tensions in the Middle East continue to fuel expectations of higher prices in the coming weeks.
With the citrus export season set to gather pace in April, the CGA says it is now closely tracking fuel supply trends and price movements—both of which are crucial to operations across the value chain.
CGA CEO, Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, warned that the current developments require swift and coordinated action.
“These factors will impact the upcoming citrus season, which begins in earnest from April,” he said. “We have received reports of isolated diesel shortages, which is concerning, even though the official position is that national supply remains stable.”
According to him, strong coordination, transparency and contingency planning are now vital to prevent large-scale disruptions.
“The government must take into account the role of agriculture exports in our economy. South Africa is the world’s second-largest exporter of citrus, and citrus remains our biggest agricultural export. Ninety-five percent of the national crop moves by road to the ports,” he said.
He stressed that any prolonged rationing or limited access to diesel could directly undermine the sector’s logistics chain, exposing the vulnerability of a system heavily reliant on trucking.
“Over the long term, increased freight rail activity is needed. We welcome private-sector participation in rail, but it must be expanded and accelerated,” Ntshabele added.
He noted that the latest fuel concerns add more pressure to an industry supporting at least 140,000 jobs at farm level. Beyond logistics, he urged government to also fast-track improved market access to China, India, the United States and the European Union, saying: “We need better access and more markets now more than ever.”
The concerns are echoed across the wider agriculture sector. Dawee Maree, Head of Agriculture Information and Marketing at FNB South Africa, confirmed similar reports of rationing.
“Clients have informed colleagues in the provinces that they are experiencing shortages. This is definitely worrying as we approach harvesting season,” Maree said.
He warned that the impending fuel price hike expected on Wednesday will hit farmers hard.
“The increase will be a shock to the system. Farmers cannot pass the cost down the chain because they are price takers. So shortages combined with steep price hikes create a double-whammy for the industry,” he added.
Bennie van Zyl, General Manager of TLU SA, said the problem extends beyond citrus growers.
“It’s not only citrus farmers. Winter grain producers are nearing planting season and some summer rainfall regions are close to harvesting. The rise in diesel prices will push production costs to unaffordable levels,” he said.
He called on the government to urgently intervene to prevent further strain on food production.
“We believe government must take this seriously and support farmers. Agriculture is of strategic importance to South Africa,” van Zyl added.
