Industry urges urgent national response as diesel shortages and rising costs threaten exports
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa is closely monitoring fuel availability and pricing pressures ahead of the 2026 citrus season, warning that ongoing tensions in the Middle East could significantly disrupt one of the country’s most vital export industries.
With the citrus season set to begin in April, the association has raised concerns about both the cost and supply of diesel, which plays a critical role in transporting produce from farms to ports. The CGA confirmed it has received reports of isolated diesel shortages across parts of the country.
“While official assurances indicate that national supply remains stable, industry participants have reported limited diesel availability at certain stations, seemingly caused by unusual buying patterns and controlled allocation by industry players,” the association said on Monday.
CGA chief executive Boitshoko Ntshabele told Reuters that coordinated action is urgently needed to safeguard the season.
“Strong coordination, transparency and contingency planning will be essential to ensure the upcoming season proceeds with as little disruption as reasonably possible,” said CGA chief executive Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele.
South Africa remains the world’s second largest citrus exporter, with citrus representing the country’s largest agricultural export sector. Approximately 95 percent of the national crop is transported by road to ports, making the industry highly vulnerable to diesel shortages or controlled fuel distribution.
Ntshabele highlighted the structural risks within the logistics system, noting that heavy reliance on road transport exposes the sector to fuel-related disruptions. He emphasised the need for expanded rail capacity, welcoming ongoing private sector participation but stressing that progress must accelerate.
The CGA has also backed fuel-related interventions proposed by Agbiz, Agri SA, and the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa, calling for a unified national approach involving government, fuel suppliers, logistics operators, growers and exporters.
“Recent developments place additional strain on our sector, which supports 140 000 jobs at farm level. We therefore encourage government to assist in mitigating negative impacts and to create an enabling environment that supports the continued growth of the citrus industry,” Ntshabele said.
He further stressed the importance of expanding export markets, pointing to the need for improved access to major global economies such as China, India, the United States, and the European Union.
The CGA’s warning comes as Cyril Ramaphosa has instructed Enoch Godongwana to explore ways to soften the impact of an impending fuel price hike.
Speaking at an ANC Limpopo conference, Ramaphosa acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that rising fuel costs were a major concern. A ministerial task team has since been established to assess measures to cushion the economy from the broader effects of the Middle East crisis.
Meanwhile, AgriSA and Agbiz have called for immediate fuel price adjustments rather than waiting until April 1, citing mounting shortages and rationing in rural areas. Reports indicate that fuel retailers in parts of the Northern, Western and Eastern Cape, as well as KwaZulu-Natal, are already experiencing supply constraints. In provinces such as Mpumalanga and the Free State, some stations have limited diesel sales to between 40 and 100 litres per customer.
Avhapfani Tshifularo has also reported increased instances of fuel stations running dry, alongside panic buying that is further straining supply chains and causing delivery delays.
According to data from the Central Energy Fund, fuel prices are expected to rise sharply, with petrol increases of up to R5.31 for 93 unleaded and R5.82 for 95 unleaded, while diesel could surge by more than R10 per litre.
As the citrus season approaches, the intersection of fuel shortages, rising costs and logistical constraints presents a significant challenge. Without swift and coordinated intervention, the situation could disrupt exports, impact jobs and place additional pressure on one of South Africa’s most important agricultural sectors.