Petrol strike causes a re-fueling frenzy

Since the 35 000 plus South African petroleum industry employees went on strike on Thursday, 28 July, people have been filling-up their cars in panic.

Caltex petrol station in Ghani’s Hill, Tongaat has been reported empty.

Petrol stations in Ballito have confirmed their pumps are full and they have been receiving normal delivery so far.

Engen Ballito co-owner, Rasjesh Ramperthab said the strike itself has not had a severe impact on the fuel level, but that “panic filling up” is emptying tanks.

“Our petrol sale numbers have doubled since two days ago. We are selling double the amount of fuel and, therefore, we need a lot of deliveries. This puts huge strain on the depots.  Some people have two or three cars and are filling them all up at once.”

“What makes matters worse for us is that people from the Durban areas, where the stations are running out have been coming to the North Coast to fill up.”

According to the Traffic Information Whatsapp group, five stations in Durban have already run dry. These include: Caltex in Atholl Heights, Caltex in Glenashley, Caltex in Florida Road, Sunningdale in Umhlanga and Shell in Westville.

“We have been selling more than 35 000 litres of fuel a day,” said Ramperthab.

He said that they cannot predict what will happen regarding fuel delivery.

“Things have yet to turn violent. But should the strike go on and should the delivery drivers’ lives be put in danger it will affect the fuel level at the stations.”

He advised people not panic.

“For now, people should try to share cars and try to not travel unnecessarily. Plan your route and find out which stations will be on your route when traveling.”

Sasol petrol station in Salt Rock’s manageress on site, Pravena Thulkanum said everything is in order and there is nothing to panic about at this stage.

“Deliveries in KZN are normal. Sales have picked up due to the panic.”

Clement Chitja, spokesperson of  The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU) , warned that pumps and filling stations could run dry in about three days

“The workers transport petrol and work in the refineries, so the impact will be huge if the strike is prolonged,” said Chitja.

The strike was decided when employers could not settle on issues regarding wage increments, shift allowances and the duration of the employees’ work agreements.

“We are hoping that we can come to an agreement as soon as possible. Aside from stations running dry, large amounts of diesel is being supplied to Eskom. Should their needs not be met, they may not be able to meet the electricity demands and there could be load shedding. We hope that it will not come to that,” said Chitja.

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