Cape Town – Motorists have been urged not to panic about fuel running dry ahead of the latest petrol price hike kicking in on Wednesday. 

Eye Witness News (EWN) reported on Monday that the South African Petroleum Industry Association (Sapia) said on Friday contingency plans were in place amid concerns the week-long truck drivers strike could affect delivery. 

The association said they were not part of the strike, and it is unlikely fuel supplies will be affected. 

It, however warned of a possible delay in deliveries. 

The Department of Energy announced on Friday an increase of 21c and 23c in the pump price of 93- and 95 octane respectively. 

The increases were due to higher international prices and a weaker rand. 

In July last year, hundreds of petrol stations, especially in Gauteng, ran dry due to a strike in the petroleum sector which prevented delivery trucks from transporting fuel from depots to filling stations. 

It is feared that the current strike by truck drivers since September 24 could lead to fuel shortages, especially because of the expected rush on pumps before the pretol price hike kicks in on Wednesday. 

Sapia said owing to the petrol price increase, there will be higher demand, putting filling stations under pressure irrespective of the strike. 

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