National gas shortage

South Africa is suffering from a gas shortage. With the cold winter nights setting in as well as load shedding, there has been a spike in demand says gas supplier Afrox.

The largest supplier of LP gas in South Africa, Afrox, has been forced to import the gas from overseas after several local refineries were shut down for maintenance at the same time.

On top of the increase in demand, a number of refineries are on shutdown or about to commence scheduled shutdowns for maintenance said Afrox spokesman Simon Miller.

We expect the situation to remain very tight for the next few weeks,” he warns.

While the shortage appeared to have hit only two weeks ago, the imported gas will be arriving only at the end of July, which means another month without the usual reliable gas sources for the heating, cooking and lighting needs of thousands says Miller.

To check for availability at the Polokwane branch, you can visit www.afrox.co.za

• click on the Handigas availability checker

• select region, town/city

• select cylinder your size and the availability will be indicated.