Purchase of fuel in a container now prohibited

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has discouraged the public from panic buying fuel and hoarding, as this action will exacerbate the current challenges.

As the country faces threats of fuel shortages, government has announced that motorists will not be allowed to purchase petrol or diesel in a container.

The regulation was issued in terms of section 2(1) (a) read with section 12C(1)(a)(v)(aa) of the Petroleum Products Act of 1977 and serves to prohibit retail sales of petroleum products to members of the public in portable containers.

With the ongoing unrest that has engulfed some parts of the country, DMRE has assured the nation that there is enough supply of petroleum products.

‘The DMRE assures the nation that while there are challenges with regards to the movement of petroleum products to some parts of the country, there is sufficient product and government is working to secure the movement of all petroleum products,’ the department said in a statement on Thursday.

The department said it is continuing to monitor the safety and security of the energy and mining sectors.