Eskom paid R721 million for diesel that was recorded as “received” in its accounting system even though most of the fuel had apparently not physically arrived, according to an amaBhungane investigation published by News24.
Internal records reportedly show Eskom recorded two 20-million-litre orders from supplier Lanele Resources as received at Cape Town’s Burgan Terminal in July 2025 before making two payments of about R360 million each.
However, fuel supplier Vesquin Trading told amaBhungane that only five million litres were being kept at the terminal for Eskom, while about 38.8 million litres remained outstanding.
Diesel crisis hit during load-shedding
The investigation examined diesel contracts potentially worth R21 billion that Eskom signed in December 2024 to supply its Ankerlig Open Cycle Gas Turbine plant.
Records cited by amaBhungane suggest problems emerged quickly.
In January 2025, Eskom had reportedly recorded 15 million litres from new suppliers as received. Yet when Ankerlig needed urgent fuel, Eskom authorised a separate R200 million emergency contract with Astron Energy.
The situation worsened when load-shedding returned in February.
Between February and April 2025, Eskom made at least 15 prepayments worth R2.97 billion to suppliers as it tried to secure diesel.
Investigation referred to Hawks
Eskom launched an investigation into possible irregularities in March 2025.
An interim report identified failures to follow procurement and contract-management processes, prompting disciplinary action against several employees. Eskom also referred the matter to the Hawks because of suspected fraud and corruption.
The utility has not made a final finding that fraud occurred.
Eskom disputes missing-diesel concerns
Eskom said on 31 July that an independent physical verification and reconciliation found no discrepancies between diesel “delivered or available” and the amounts paid as of 30 June 2026.
AmaBhungane’s findings challenge that explanation, reporting that roughly 40 million litres remained outstanding at the end of June.
Eskom said further legal analysis was required before the investigation could be finalised and promised another update by the end of August.