Fuel shortage in Southern Africa

A critical shortage of fuel, which began in South Africa at the weekend, has now spread across the region.

Petrol stations are running short of fuel in Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Mozambique. Some flights in South Africa were cancelled at the weekend.

The shortage stems from a change to cleaner fuels, which has led to problems at South African refineries.

The shortages come at a time of peak demand, with many South Africans heading to holiday destinations.

The South African authorities are holding crisis talks with petroleum providers to try to resolve the situation.

Reserves low

Refineries were shut down ahead of the switch to cleaner fuels in January, and the government has accused the fuel industry for not keeping enough fuel in reserve, even though the new regulations were announced in June.

"Everyone knows the industry is to blame in this case," Minerals and Energy Minister Lindiwe Hendricks said in parliament on Tuesday.

Colin McClelland, director of the South African Petroleum Industry Association, admitted that the fuel stockpile had run out.

He also said motorists were making the situation worse by panic-buying fuel.