Based on my research, I can analyze the claim that South Africa's fuel imports predominantly came from Middle Eastern countries:

Reasoning:

• In 2023, South Africa imported about 138,000 barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil and condensate, with 66% coming from African countries¹
• Nigeria was the main source, supplying approximately 60,000 b/d (about 43% of total crude imports)¹
• Saudi Arabia was the sole Middle Eastern supplier, providing about 34,000 b/d (approximately 25% of total crude imports)¹
• The South African government officially states that crude oil imports are sourced "primarily from West Africa and increasingly from other countries across the African continent"²
• While South Africa does import refined petroleum products from Middle Eastern countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman³, the predominant sources for crude oil (the main fuel import category) are African nations
• The combined African sources significantly outweigh Middle Eastern supplies, with Nigeria alone providing more than Saudi Arabia

The claim appears to overstate the role of Middle Eastern countries in South Africa's fuel import portfolio. While Middle Eastern nations are important suppliers, particularly for refined products, they do not constitute the predominant source when considering overall fuel imports. African countries, led by Nigeria, are the primary suppliers of crude oil to South Africa.

Overall validity: 40%

1. Table 1. South Africa's energy overview, 2022 - EIA
2. Mineral and Petroleum Resources on fuel supply and prices
3. South Africa Fuels Imports by country 2023 | WITS Data - World Bank