The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) says the supply chain of petroleum products to South Africa is “resilient” and ‘There is currently no shortage of fuel in the country.

This follows a comment by the Liquid Fuel Wholesale Association (LFWA) that the country is facing a possible liquid fuel supply crisis.

Earlier this week, Peter Morgan, chief executive officer of LFWA, said shortages of national fuel reserves, pricing methodology problems and excessive compliance with imported fuels had ended. The combination creates a perfect storm that threatens fuel security in South Africa. .

However, the DMRE has taken steps to remove the market panic, saying fuel security is not currently at risk.

“South Africa’s oil industry supply chains are resilient even as the disruptive geopolitical battle in Eastern Europe flares up. The Department is engaging with the industry on a weekly basis on supply issues and will seek clarification from LFWA regarding their response.

DMRE assures that there is no imminent liquid fuel shortage in the country, calling LFWA’s predictions “regrettable”.

The ministry said the government has invested in fuel imports for many years to contribute to the security of fuel supplies, noting that it has allowed investment in import terminals when the reliability of Existing refineries are questionable.

Import terminals at all ports in the country can ensure fuel supply security, he said.

However, calls from industry figures and civil society organizations to the government to consider replenishing its reserves have been reported to be futile.

LFWA said South Africa is currently in a position to depend almost exclusively on oil imports and, with little or no refining capacity, to the liking of global forces and possible delays if shipments fail – increases the risk of supply shortages.

South Africa has faced problems with its refining capacity. Sasol, South Africa’s largest fuel producer, resumed its refinery in August after having to halt production pending supplies. The shutdown has shut down South Africa’s entire fleet of refineries.

Aviation expert Des Latham says such cases have serious consequences, such as an increased reliance on imports of gasoline (93 and 95) as well as other petroleum products.

“It has become a problem because we are at the end of Africa and as supply chain problems develop, we cannot secure our own fuel supplies locally at the level we can afford. needed,” Latham said.

He said that the country will be in drought if there is a supply shock