Motorists have been urged to be vigilant following a rise in adulterated diesel, also known as “dirty fuel”, in South Africa.

This form of fuel is often mixed with other substances such as paraffin to increase profits.

An investigation by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in 2024 also uncovered that several petrol stations across the country were selling dodgy diesel to customers.

The warning comes amid escalating fuel prices due to conflict in the Middle East.

CEO of the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, Avhapfani Tshifularo, says government does not regulate the retail price of diesel, so people are lured to buy fuel that is cheaper than the normal price.

“Essentially, what people would do, they will buy some foreign, sort of like hydrocarbons, either solvents or paraffin and then they will then also buy normal diesel in bulk and then they would blend these products together. Usually, the alternate product is often cheaper than diesel. Because the whole idea here is to incite people to buy diesel as if it’s better priced than the other competitors. They will then pocket the difference,” says Tshifularo.

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