By: IOL

A diesel tanker belonging to Nkomazi Logistics, was allegedly stolen in Pinetown on Sunday.

An image of the stolen diesel tanker was shared in a widely circulated social media post.

The tanker was apparently found today on Vitner Road in Prospecton, south of Durban. No further details were available at the time of publishing.

Nkomazi Logistics confirmed to the POST on Monday that the tanker had been stolen.

They image, which quickly gained traction online, prompted questions about fuel security and criminal activity linked to the ongoing fuel crisis. 

The incident comes as South Africans brace themselves for a steep fuel price increase, driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and a weakening rand. 

Commenting on the social media post about the theft, Louw Bertus said: “This kind of crime will increase in the future with rising fuel prices. Nobody will turn down an opportunity to buy this fuel at a greatly reduced price from the thieves in order to save money.”

Alex Micovic said: “Diesel trucks need escorts now, very risky.”

Although petrol and diesel prices are currently at four-year lows, the conflict in the Middle East means South Africans are likely to see record increases from next Wednesday, April 1.

However, some fuel stations appear to be selling diesel at significantly higher-than-average prices.

A viral video appears to show diesel being sold for R29.85 at a station in Umhlatuzana, Durban.