In her budget-vote speech last month, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said the fuel-stocks policy would be revised to include the holding of commercial stocks and emergency stocks. The then minerals and energy department had said that stock levels of state-owned oil and gas company PetroSA and the various petroleum companies fell far below the 90-day level.
Back in 2002, during the World Summit on Sustainable Development, SA nearly experienced a fuel supply shortage, but behind-the-scenes efforts averted a crisis. So there is a precedent for keeping the fuel supply flowing in difficult times.
SHOOT: "demand keeps rising"
When hunderds of thousands of soccer fans descend on SA next year, the country will experience a spike in fuel demand.
The government has promised to improve the public transport system to ensure that fans can travel easily. The government transport programme for the World Cup includes the purchase of a fleet of 2035 luxury and standard buses, 60 trains and 1000 bus coaches. The sheer volume of vehicles on the country’s roads will stretch the existing fuel supply. Demand for jet fuel is also poised for growth during the tournament.
The supply of petroleum products to SA’s inland areas has been a reason for concern. Forecasts show looming petrol and diesel shortages in the country’s inland areas as demand keeps rising. It does not help that Transnet’s R12,7bn new multi- product pipeline from Durban to Johannesburg will only be completed and operational by December 2011.
“The current non-adherence leaves the country exposed to high risk in the event of a major supply disruption.” |
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