and the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA)
14 December 2006
The DME and the SAPIA wish to assure motorists that there will be adequate
fuel supplies for the holiday season.
However, SAPIA points out that peaks in demand on certain days could result
in localised shortages at particular service stations, and asks that such
shortages be reported to the brands concerned.
The Minister of Minerals and Energy, B Sonjica, says that she has had
several meetings with the oil industry aimed at ensuring that there will be no
repetition of the fuel shortages that occurred at the end of last year.
She says, "I have been assured by the industry leaders that they put plans
in place aimed at ensuring that there will be no fuel crises this year."
She adds, "I also want to call on all drivers to obey the rules of the road
and in particular, to avoid speeding and driving under the influence of
alcohol."
SAPIA Chairperson, Advocate Rams Ramashia, said that, "The plans made by the
industry include the importation of very large quantities of petrol and diesel
to supplement local refinery production."
He added an appeal to pedestrians to also obey the rules of the road saying,
"SAPIA has in recent months mounted a campaign aimed at pedestrian safety,
stressing the importance of pedestrians being visible at night and of not
walking in areas where there is vehicular traffic or under the influence of
alcohol or other substances."
The Minister adds, "I would like to take this opportunity to wish all a
happy and safe holiday season."
Enquiries:
Ms Bontle Mafuna
Tel: (012) 317 8086
Fax: (012) 322 4954
Cell: 082 571 4310
E-mail: bontle.mafuna@dme.gov.za
Mr Colin McClelland
Director: SAPIA
Tel: (021) 419 8054
Fax: (021) 419 8058
E-mail: carol@sapia.co.za
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
14 December 2006
