POLOKWANE – There is still a shortage of gas in Polokwane, with gas dealers in Tzaneen, Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit now confirming they had no gas to sell to walk-in customers, reported the Letaba Herald.

A gas supplier in Polokwane, who did not wish to be named, said the shortage of gas was an ongoing problem and would continue for at least a month.

He said the demand for gas was greater than the suppliers could meet and that the refineries had a backlog.

This follows a recent national shortage of gas.

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 spokesperson, Simon Miller.

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

“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.”

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.

National gas shortage