South Africans will now be prohibited from purchasing petrol in portable containers. This was indicated by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) on Thursday, July 15, who stated that this action was necessary as violence and looting action continues in parts of the country.
In a statement by the department, Minister Gwede Mantashe, however, reassured South Africans that there is enough fuel and they should be discouraged from panic buying and hoarding.
“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 the government is working to secure the movement of all petroleum products,” the statement read.
Mantashe also indicated that the temporary closure of the Sapref refinery in Durban will cause a ripple effect across the national supply chain. The Sapref refinery in Durban is the largest crude oil refinery in the country.
The DMRE further encourages the mining and energy sectors to remain steadfast in working towards maintaining the safety and security of their operations and personnel as the department will continue to engage with the executives as well as the various Labour unions of the sector.
Meanwhile, motorists in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng are now scrambling to find fuel after having to wait in long queues outside of petrol stations while limits are imposed on how many litres each customer can buy, News 24 reports.
14/07/2021
More motorists appear to be joining these lengthy queues. Petrol attendants have told EWN that no one is allowed to purchase fuel costing more than R500 in a bid to ensure fairness. However, there are fears that not all motorists will get fuel here today. pic.twitter.com/V4loFwb7PN— RIOT & ATTACK info South Africa (@RiotAndAttackSA) July 14, 2021
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Picture: Cape {town} etc gallery