SA steps up fuel imports
Johannesburg - South African fuel imports have been stepped up to keep the market supplied for the festive season, Business Report said on Tuesday.
It quoted Colin McClelland, director of the SA Petroleum Industry Association, as saying the industry would leave no stone unturned to ensure adequate supplies.
McClelland said a fire late last month had damaged a unit at Sapref in Durban, the country's largest oil refinery and a 50-50 joint venture between BP and Shell, hurting diesel supplies.
The plant has a capacity of 180 000 barrels a day and accounts for one-third of the country's refining capacity.
Imports had been stepped up, and McClelland said he was not aware of service stations in Gauteng running dry.
During the third quarter, South Africa imported more than a million tons of petrol, diesel and jet fuel from the Middle East and the Far East.
The problem with fuel supplies was compounded when Sapref was shut down for maintenance between June and October.
"Importing fuel is not the problem and people should not be concerned. The industry is working hard to keep the market supplied and we are transporting petrol and diesel by truck from Durban harbour," said McClelland.
"It is not the ideal situation. Rail transport would be an option and Spoornet has said it will buy more engines and rolling stock."
News source: www.news24.co.za
Posted by: www.SouthAfrica-CarHire.com
If the fuel price drops, more people can go on holiday
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