As winter 2012 begins to bite, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Awareness group encourages all users to take the opportunity to refill or stock up on supplies, and not wait until the first cold spell. Speaking at a recent media briefing session, Minister Dipuo Peters recognised that the annual spike in LPG purchases shows that last minute demand for gas at the start of winter is the primary reason for the annual shortages. Minister Peters urged users to avoid shortages caused by spikes in demand during the winter months. She said, LPG is currently readily available across the country and users are urged to and refill or stock up to cover their medium term needs.
In terms of refinery operations except for one planned refinery shut down by Engen refinery from 6 to 26 May 2012 no other planned refinery shutdowns will take place during the winter season. However unforeseen technical problems at the refineries might result in unplanned shutdowns and impact the production of LPG. The Engen refinery shut down will have an impact on LPG production and in this regard Engen has notified its largest customers well in advance. These customers will resort to stock piling and imports to ensure that they have enough LPG available for sales to the market.
Consumers are encouraged to use the product safely and not keep excessive amounts of LPGas on their properties. Safety information can be found on http://www.lpgas.co.za/.
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.
To ensure improvements in communication of LPG status this winter, the department and its partners will issue LPG status reports on a weekly basis, and advise the public accordingly.
Media statement issued on behalf of the LPGas Awareness Group by:
Thandiwe Maimane
E-mail: thandiwe.maimane@energy.gov.za or mediadesk@energy.gov.za
Tel: 012 444 4256
Johannes Mokobane
E-mail: johannes.mokobane@energy.gov.za
Tel: 012 444 4612
Cell: 082 766 3674
LPG Awareness Partnership contact details:
- DoE: www.energy.gov.za; mediadesk@energy.gov.za; Johannes.mokobane@energy.gov.za; 012 444 4612
- FRA: www.fra.org.za; reggie.sibiya@fra.org.sa; 011 886 2664
- SAPIA: www.sapia.co.za; fani@sapia.co.za; 011 783 7664
- SAPRA: www.sapra.co.za; peter.noke@sapra.co.za; 012 348 9311
- LPGSASA: www.lpgas.co.za; dennis@lpgas.co.za; 0860 102 003
Users are reminded that LPG can be dangerous if not correctly handled. So remember to handle LPG with care, and adhere to all safety requirements including storage in a cool space, and limitations on the amounts allowable for storage. So store your cylinders away from any heat source, and, know that the standard amounts allowed for storage on individual properties are: Internally; Flat – 9kg; Stand alone house – 19kg. Externally; 38kg Western Cape and 100kg Gauteng respectively. These quantities can vary by municipality; so confirmation should be sought from the relevant local authority (fire department).
For more information on Gas safety users are encouraged to contact the LPGSASA @ 0860 102 003.
