Naamsa | The Automotive Business Council says it welcomes the announcement of the next step in government’s clean fuels programme, set to become effective in September 2023.
The Department Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) earlier this year gazetted the introduction of the next phase of the Clean Fuels Programme – CF2 – in South Africa.
“The introduction of low-sulphur petrol and diesel (sub-10 ppm) and other revised fuel parameters nationally is progressive, and in line with the climate change considerations, and will enable vehicle manufacturers to market the latest technology fuel-efficient and low-emission new-motor vehicles in South Africa,” notes Naamsa.
“Once the fuel regulations are implemented, a significant reduction in vehicle emissions in respect of the entire vehicle population can be expected.
“The new measures to improve enforcement relating to mandatory record-keeping of fuel purchases by retailers are also essential for combating the increasing import and sale of grossly sub-specification fuels currently seen in the South African market,” adds Naamsa.
“Furthermore, the progressive move to cleaner fuels supports the South African government commitment to the twenty-sixth Conference of Parties United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, where government secured R131-billion to steer the country towards green energy.”
Naamsa says the local automotive industry contributes 4.9% to the country's gross domestic product, accounts for 30.1% of the country's manufacturing output and employs more than 468 502 people across the value chain.
It is the country's fifth-largest exporting sector out of 104 industries and accounts for 13.9% of total domestic exports.