South Africa is a net importer of crude oil. Treasury officials admit it would take a "significant shock" to derail fiscal plans, but rising oil prices are now threatening that stability. Emerging Markets with high energy import needs suffer a "double whammy" in this environment: currency depreciation (inflation) and fiscal deterioration (current account deficit). The "turnaround" narrative for South Africa is negated by $80+ oil. Short/Avoid South Africa ETF (EZA). Gold prices (a major SA export) rising fast enough to offset the oil import bill.