South African citrus farmers have reported isolated diesel shortages as they prepare for the upcoming export season starting in April, raising concerns about potential supply chain disruptions.

South Africa's Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources said the country's fuel supplies are expected to remain stable in the near term, despite the war in the Middle East, which has unsettled energy and transport markets and disrupted global shipping.

"While official assurances indicate that national supply remains stable, industry participants have reported limited diesel availability at certain stations, apparently due to unusual buying patterns and controlled allocations," the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa said in a statement.

The association noted that 95% of citrus exports are transported by road to ports, making the industry vulnerable to fuel supply and price shocks.

"Should controlled selling or limited diesel availability persist, it could directly affect the functioning of the citrus supply chain," the association added.

South Africa, the world's second-largest citrus exporter after Spain, shipped a record 3.05 million metric tons of citrus in 2025, up 22% from the previous year.

The Middle East is the second-largest market for South African citrus after Europe, accounting for about 19% of exports.

Agricultural groups have called for temporary relief measures, including fuel levy exemptions for farmers, to help cushion the sector against an anticipated fuel price hike starting April 1.