South Africa:Sapia Ensures Fuel Supply During World Cup

Sapia's incoming chairman Maurice Radebe said in a statement."From a fuel supply perspective, this will be a major logistical exercise, the likes of which we may never see again." He said visitors and teams would start arriving in the country two to three weeks before the 40-day tournament and many would stay on afterwards for a holiday in the country.

Radebe has given the assurance the petroleum industry will be ready to meet the spike in demand. To this end, Sapia, Transnet, the Airports Company South Africa and the energy department, among others, were cooperating. "Stock levels are the key. Refineries will be producing at top capacity ahead of and during the event and import, distribution and storage facilities will all be optimally utilised. "We will be ready to meet the needs of transport operators, airlines, tourist destinations, industry and commerce in the run up to the FIFA World Cup and beyond when South Africa will be showcased to the world."

Radebe said the supply build-up had focused attention on continuity of supply in the fuel industry. "Importantly, the FIFA World Cup has provided a basis for cooperation by all stakeholders in the petroleum industry, which will be invaluable over the next five to ten years as critical supply and production issues are tackled." He said the industry had applied for exemption from the Competition Commission to allow the necessary cooperation.

Radebe said supply disruptions had been avoided so far, partly because of the economic slowdown. "There is a close link between the petroleum industry and economic growth. In order to increase production to fuel South Africa's growing economy and meet the demand for cleaner burning, more efficient fuels, large investments will be needed by the industry.

PetrolWorld 260110