Twenty petroleum corporations comprise membership of the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) which will ‘fuel’ the impetus of this year’s Petro.t.ex Africa event. Petro.t.ex, a major mid- and down-stream Exhibition and Conference aimed at the African petroleum and petrochemical industry, focuses on promoting products, services and business opportunities within Sub-Saharan Africa. Petro.t.ex Africa, which forms part of SA Industry & Technology Fair, takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand from 20-22 May 2015.

Petro.t.ex: Challenges and Opportunities
“There are few forums that focus on our industry to the extent that Petro.t.ex does,” says SAPIA Executive Director Avhapfani Company Announcement - Tshifularo. “This fact made our decision to support the event an easy one. SAPIA has participated in Petro.t.ex in the past, with great benefits to its members through networking opportunities, exposure to the latest technologies, and a favourable deal-making environment.”

Tshifularo describes the current state of the oil industry as resilient,  but with a constant need to adapt. “Oil is a strategic asset and key to South Africa’s growth; the rapid fall of the oil price – from over $100 to under $50 per barrel – does affect the industry, but we need to be flexible to continue to function. The Petro.t.ex conference will play a major role in informing our industry about these changes and provide a vital platform for discussion.”

Conference Addressing Challenges
“Current challenges are changing the way the industry must do business. It needs fresh ideas and new technologies – the Petro.t.ex conference facilitates this,” adds Bette McNaughton, the conference organiser.  The conference is aimed at refinery plant managers and petrol station owners.

The one day conference features industry experts in a variety of fields. Topics include
• Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) 
• Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE)
• Overall Status of the Liquid Fuel Industry in South Africa
• Crime and Hi-jacking of Tankers
• Adjustment to the Economy due to the falling Oil Price
• Security of Supply
• Infrastructure

Rise of the Petroleum Industry in Africa
“Massive growth in the African petroleum sector, coupled with volatile crude oil pricing, is opening up new opportunities and strategies for stakeholders in the market,” says John Thomson of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the event. “This year’s Petro.t.ex exhibition and conference provides a unique platform to discuss factors affecting the region’s markets, connect with potential partners from the rest of the continent and explore the many opportunities arising from current events, all in one place at the same time.”

British Fuelling Systems on Board
One company taking advantage of Petro.t.ex is first-time exhibitor Franklin Fuelling Systems Limited, a world leading supplier of complete fuelling systems. “We decided to exhibit at Petro.t.ex because it has synergy with our allied industries,” says Marketing Executive Natasha Pratley. “We will be launching our new storage tank overfill protection device and showcase our UPP brand of semi-rigid electro fusion pipe-work systems, submersible pumping systems and fuel management systems.” The product range includes sensors, probes and consoles which provide continuous inventory monitoring and tank testing using the company’s proven magnetostrictive probe technology.