The winter cold of 2013 is slowly approaching and temperatures are dropping. The Department of Energy, in partnership with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry, encourages all LPGas users to take the opportunity to refill or stock up on supplies. Users are also reminded to avoid shortages caused by spikes in demand during the winter months. LPG is currently readily available across the country and users are urged to refill or stock up to cover their medium term needs.
In terms of refinery operations, there is one planned refinery shutdown to take place during the winter season. The South African Petroleum Refineries (SAPREF), co-owned by BP and Shell is planned to be on a shutdown from the 26th April 2013 to 1st July 2013. However, unforeseen technical problems at the refineries might result in unplanned shutdowns and impact the production of LPG.
In order to optimise communication of LPG information to all users, the Department of Energy has formed an LPG Awareness Partnership with sector role players including the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA), Fuel Retailers Association (FRA), South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of South Africa (LPGSASA).
The LPG Awareness Partnership does not replace the existing weekly consultations with oil industry players which focus on finding solutions to overarching industry supply issues. Rather the Partnership is a complementary structure which focuses on discussing matters associated with the public communication of LPG availability, access, and safety issues in order to promote better public understanding of LPG across the board.
Issued on behalf of the Department of Energy and the LPGas Awareness Group by:
Ms Zodwa Batyashe
Email: zodwa.batyashe@energy.gov.za or mediadesk@energy.gov.za
Tel: 012 406 7484
