The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA), which represents the fuel companies and operators of refineries in South Africa, is hopeful that an end is in sight to fuel shortages at retail outlets.

Intense negotiations over the weekend between the National Petroleum Employers Association (NPEA) and the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union resulted in CEPPWAWU agreeing to take a fresh offer to its members today. Sapia is optimistic that a solution will be found and an agreement reached when further negotiations resume this evening.

"We truly regret the inconvenience of the past few days but we are hopeful that the situation will get back to normal shortly," says SAPIA Executive Director, Connel Ngcukana. "There is more than enough fuel available. All we have is an interim supply challenge. The oil companies have put in contingency plans to keep fuel flowing to service stations but at lower volumes than normal. Unfortunately, panic buying has resulted in some service stations running dry. Even then, most are back in supply within a day and many within hours"

"We fully understand that motorists are anxious and want to make sure they are not caught short of fuel. But the rush over the last few days has simply added to the supply challenge. My appeal is that we all buy sensibly to keep demand patterns as close to normal as possible. The solution is partly in our own hands! And motorists should not wait until they are on empty before setting off to find fuel, " says Ngcukana.

Ngcukana says it is most unfortunate that motorists, taxi associations and road transportation providers have had to bear the brunt of strike action. A major concern is that critical and life essential services such as the ambulance, fire brigade and law enforcement services could be disrupted if an end to strike is not found soon, he says.

Soundbites

"The current situation is truly regrettable - my biggest worry is that essential service will be affected if we don't find a solution soon."

"We have more than enough fuel - the problem is that the workers who normally deliver are out on strike."

"We are still getting deliveries through to all service stations. If we all purchase fuel according to our normal patterns, there should be no shortage at your local fuel stations.

"In some cases, you may have to visit more than one service station or may have to queue for a while but service stations that run dry are back in supply within days and some even within hours."

"The solution is partly in our own hands. By acting sensible we can minimise the impact significantly. Let’s work together! Don't resort to panic buying which just makes matters worse."

"I am hopeful that labour will accept the latest offer from their employers."

About Sapia:

The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) represents the common interests of the petroleum refining and marketing industry in South Africa and to promote understanding of the industry's contribution to economic and social progress with all stakeholders.. It was established in June, 1994. It is currently represented by the following petroleum companies:

List of the current Association members:

BPSA, Chevron, Engen, PetroSA, Sasol, Shell, Total

Isued by: Connel Ngcukana – Director, Sapia
Website: www.sapia.co.za
E-mail: carol@sapia.co.za
Tel: 0214198054
Fax: 0214198058

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