Petrol industry blamed for December shortages

RAY SMUTS THE FUEL shortage during December, particularly diesel, hit fruit farmers hard, just as they were ready to harvest the first plums, followed by peaches and grapes. It was feared that much of the fruit would be unsuitable for export, possibly ending up in juice format. Minerals and energy minister Lindiwe Hendricks has blamed the petroleum industry for reneging on an undertaking to maintain stocks for at least 30 days. The industry however maintains it was under no such obligation, a dilemma described by a London-based energy specialist as “pretty Micky Mouse”, given South Africa’s standing as the economic powerhouse on the continent. While the January 1 switch to unleaded petrol seems to have gone without a hitch, all that remains is the release any day now of the findings by the government-appointed task force probing the reason for the December shortages. FTW will be keeping a close eye on developments.