South Africa’s (SA) Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, says the ongoing United States–Israel war could push fuel prices even higher, warning motorists to prepare for increased costs at the pump.

Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference currently underway in Cape Town, Mantashe said the conflict has intensified volatility in global oil markets, which has already translated into higher crude prices and rising costs for fuel‑importing countries such as SA.

The conference has drawn industry leaders, policymakers and investors to discuss Southern Africa’s energy future and explore opportunities in the region’s oil and gas sector, including security of supply, investment requirements and long‑term energy planning.

Channel Africa’s Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, is attending the event and filed this report.