‘No’ to fuel in containers – but supply is stable
Fears of a shortage of petroleum products have been fuelled following the closure of roads and refineries, but government says there is no need to panic.
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe has announced regulations for the prohibition on the sale and dispensing of petrol and diesel into containers.
This comes after various media reports showing people stockpiling fuel.
In a statement released today by SANews, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) said that in recent days, parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have experienced violence that has resulted in the death of civilians, the looting of public and private property, destruction of infrastructure, as well as the suspension of essential services.
The blockading of key infrastructure routes has also made mobility difficult.
For this reason, the department issued regulations for the prohibition of the sale and dispensing of petrol and diesel into containers.
The regulation was issued in terms of section 2(1) (a), read with section 12C(1)(a)(v)(aa) of the Petroleum Products Act of 1977, and serves to prohibit retail sales of petroleum products to members of the public in portable containers.
However, the DMRE has assured the nation that there is enough supply of petroleum products.
“The DMRE assures the nation that while there are challenges with regard the movement of petroleum products to some parts of the country, there is sufficient product and government is working to secure the movement of all petroleum products,” the department said.
The department has also discouraged the public from panic buying and hoarding, as this action will exacerbate the current challenges.
WATCH
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