The refinery, estimated to cost between $9-billion and $11-billion and to come on stream in 2015, was featured in the Oil & Gas category of the ‘Infrastructure100’ report.

The compilers of the report noted that the project was of “huge 
economic significance” to the African region and that it would “modernise” South Africa’s “long outdated” energy infrastructure.

Once built, the refinery would be the biggest in Africa and would reduce South Africa’s reliance on oil imports. 

PetroSA estimated that the country would have to 
import about ten-billion litres a year of fuel by 2015, which would negatively impact on the country’s foreign exchange 
reserves.

However, it was the project’s expected socioeconomic benefits that made it stand out for the judges.


PetroSA previously reported 
that the refinery would provide up to 30 000 temporary jobs during the construction phase and 1 000 permanent jobs once it was operational, as well as a further 15 000 jobs in associated 
industries.

The researchers highlighted that the project would form an “economic bridge” in the Eastern Cape region, where unemployment was rife.

PetroSA has repeatedly defended the new crude oil refinery while facing criticism from competitors that the project could cost more than expected and that the additional refining capacity might not be needed.

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