Fuel pumps run dry in KZN
"But fuel retailers are still saying they are experiencing shortages. We are not sure if this is a result of poor planning or because of the unplanned shutdown.”
Motorists in Newcastle and the rest of KwaZulu-Natal have been forced to drive off in search of an alternative petrol station over the past week.
Unleaded fuel is in short supply accross the province, due to a refinery in Durban being forced to shut down for repairs.
According to a report by the Daily News, a letter dated October 22 from Chevron’s Douglas Nkwambe Mutimba, the senior manager for commercial and industrial fuels in Durban which read: ‘“One of our major industry partners is currently experiencing an unexpected refinery shutdown which is affecting the ability to supply product into various pipeline facilities.”
The report also quoted Reggie Sibiya, the chief executive of the Fuel Retailers Association of South Africa, who said he was aware of the problem.
“We are getting conflicting stories from the South African Petroleum Industry Association, who said the issue had been resolved,” he said. “But fuel retailers are still saying they are experiencing shortages. We are not sure if this is a result of poor planning or because of the unplanned shutdown.”
Although some fuel stations in Newcastle have been experiencing shortages, others accepted deliveries as per normal.
The notice issued to fuel stations in October said the shut down of the refinery had affected supply in Durban and inland areas.
Have you had to drive to a different station in search of fuel? Let us know by leaving your comments below.
