Bus Chaos In Tshwane: Diesel Shortage Brings Public Transport To Its Knees

The Tshwane Bus Service has significantly reduced operations after running out of diesel across all its depots.

MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale said the service typically runs 155 daily shifts across three depots: C de Wet, Pretoria North and East Lynne.

“All three depot filling stations have run out of fuel,” she said.

As a result, only a fraction of buses remain operational. “The city has already reduced the number of buses in service. From Monday afternoon, only 65 of the planned 155 shifts could operate, using the remaining fuel.”

Middle East Conflict Blamed for Fuel Supply Disruptions

Nasiphi Moya confirmed that the shortages are linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted fuel supply chains.

“We are affected because of the Middle East war. What we have done is to try to rationalise. The TBS released a statement on how it has affected the bus schedule from over 156 scheduled to 56 scheduled.”

She acknowledged the severity of the cuts, describing them as significant, and warned that the situation is unlikely to be resolved in the short term.

“At least it happens when the children are at home. But it’s not going to end next week. So there’s a lot of work that we are doing.”

Moya added that essential services are being prioritised. “We are prioritising the service delivery, especially the electricity department. They must not suffer or not be able to go to households. That goes for water, the metro police and our emergency services.”

Calls for Relief as Diesel And Petrol Prices Impact Households

AfriForum has welcomed government plans to reduce the fuel levy to ease pressure on consumers.

Its head of public relations, Ernst van Zyl, said the organisation had previously urged government intervention.

“AfriForum wrote a letter to the minister [last month], urging him to provide relief to the South African economy and consumers by lowering the fuel levy, instead of the planned increase announced in February.

“The next thing we would like to see is that the government provides the necessary transparency about the status of the country’s strategic fuel reserves,” he said.

Economist Dawie Roodt said rising fuel costs are forcing households to adjust spending habits differently depending on income levels.

“It depends on where you find yourself. The higher-income group usually cuts back on dining out and switches over to less expensive brands.

“The middle class usually start cutting on takeaways and things like insurance and life insurance.

“At the medium and lower income classes, they usually start cutting costs on medical aids, school fees and, lastly, rent.”

He added that consumers often end up downgrading their food choices.

“At the end, consumers start cutting costs with food and downgrade by buying fillets, chicken and mince, instead of steaks.”

Meanwhile, a motorist, Riaan van Deventer, said he remains unfazed by fuel price increases.

“Whether you put in R200 today, or you put in R200 tomorrow, you are still getting R200 worth of fuel. Yes, the litres differ, but what can we do?”