South Africa
Avoid panic-buying, government assures as consumers rush to pumps, shops─── 10:26 Thu, 15 Jul 2021
Government has called on motorists and consumers to avoid panic-buying amid fears of a dry spell as unrest continues in parts of the country.
Residents in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have flocked to the shops in a bid to get their hands on the last of the food on the shelves after a bulk of stores closed their doors.
Many petrol stations have started turning motorists away. This follows days of violence and looting in both provinces.
Acting minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, assured government has a handle on the situation. “We urge members of the public to remain calm and to exercise restraint during these trying times,” Ntshavheni told media.
“Government is working with the National Consumers Goods Council to ensure food security. If we have members of the public flocking to the shops and malls then we are also risking the spread of Covid-19.”
Ntshavheni added the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has called for a moratorium on sale of fuel in portable containers to prevent further damage.
“The military are guarding critical infrastructure so there is no threat to the fuel pipelines to ensure there is fuel security.”
Jacaranda News
