With the ongoing unrest that has engulfed some parts of the country, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has assured the nation that there is enough supply of petroleum products.
“The DMRE assures the nation that while there are challenges with regard to the movement of petroleum products to some parts of the country, there is sufficient product and government is working to secure the movement of all petroleum products,” the department said in a statement.
The public has been discouraged from panic buying and hoarding, as this action will exacerbate the current challenges.
In recent days, parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have experienced violence that has resulted in the death of civilians, the looting of public and private property, destruction of infrastructure, as well as the suspension of essential services.
The blockading of key infrastructure routes has also made mobility difficult.
In the interests of public safety associated with the ongoing unrest, the department has issued “Regulations Prohibiting The Sale And Dispensing Of Petrol And Diesel Into Containers”.
The regulation was issued in terms of section 2(1) (a) read with section 12C(1)(a)(v)(aa) of the Petroleum Products Act of 1977 and serves to prohibit retail sales of petroleum products to members of the public in portable containers.
It can be accessed at www.energy.gov.za and www.dmr.gov.za.
The department said it was continuing to monitor the safety and security of the energy and mining sectors.
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, is continuing to interact with all energy and mining sector role-players.
Mantashe emphasised the importance of role-players and stakeholders continuing to strengthen the working bonds that have ensured the resilience of the sectors to date – even while fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
He has encouraged sectors to share their experiences of the current unrest, and their risk mitigation strategies and plans, as the energy and mining sectors are the drivers of the country’s economy
“The DMRE encourages the mining and energy sectors to remain steadfast in working towards maintaining the safety and security of their operations and personnel. The department will continue to engage with the executives, as well as the various labour unions of the sector,” Mantashe said.
He made these comments during his engagements with the board members and executives of the Mining Council of South Africa and the South African Petroleum Industry Association this week. – SAnews.gov.za
