Fuel shortage affects some filling stations in Polokwane
Several stations reported shortages and had to change suppliers, while others have resorted to stock-piling.
POLOKWANE – The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) recently confirmed in a statement that diesel and petrol stock availability is improving, amid a nationwide shortage recently.Â
Some areas of the country as well as province have experienced fuel shortages which Sapia says has been due to a dramatic increase in demand for diesel.
“There has also been an opportunistic increase in demand for petrol, however, it is manageable despite the strain on supply. Unplanned shutdowns were a contributing factor which led to inadequate stocks,” a statement issued in late May, read.
Another statement, released on 12 June, said Sapia members have started to build up stock since the lowering of lockdown alert levels and the recent price changes.
“Product imports have arrived at the port of Durban and pipeline deliveries have resumed. These products will reach the inland market within seven to 14 days which is the lead time from Durban to Gauteng by pipeline. During this time, supply is expected to stabilise across the country as more refineries are online and producing fuel. The pipeline is also operational following stoppages due to theft incidents,” the statement said.
Review contacted various filling stations in-and-around the city to find out if they have been impacted.
A manager of a well-known fuel station in the city, who did not want to be named, said they have experienced severe petrol shortages for the past two weeks. He added that the pipeline issue in Durban has forced them to get their fuel supply from Cape Town at a higher cost. The manager also said that the Department of Energy had not released a statement on the shortages.
The owner of Sasol Bendor, Johan Potgieter said the station has not been affected by the fuel shortage. “Our tanks are full and we have ensured that we have enough fuel due to an increase in demand as a result of the price increase,” he said.
Bella Ramothwala and Mapula Malele, Assistant Managers at Total Jan Pret Trekkers and Shell Sediba respectively, told Review that they have had no fuel shortages and are able to supply to their customers.
The Manager at Engen Bendor Convenience Centre, Sanni Shokane said they were impacted by the fuel shortages last week. “We had no diesel for the whole week and only received diesel on Sunday night. We have also experienced a bit of a struggle with petrol and had to make use of a different supplier for petrol. We will be fine for this week and have our tanks full but we do not know what is going to happen,” she added.
