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Given the continued and escalation of the conflict in the Middle East disrupting the supply of fuel across the globe, AfriForum is demanding that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy disclose the details of the country’s fuel reserves.
In trying to ease the nerves of motorists and the residents in general, the department said there is no need for panic as the country has enough fuel reserves.
“While prolonged geopolitical tensions may exert pressure on international oil prices, the Department wishes to assure the public that there is currently no immediate risk of fuel shortages in South Africa.
Despite the closure of several refineries in recent years, South Africa currently has two operational crude oil refineries, namely NATREF and Astron Energy, in addition to the Sasol Secunda coal-to-liquids plant, which continues to play a critical role in domestic fuel production. These facilities rely on crude oil imports sourced primarily from West Africa and increasingly from other countries across the African continent,” said the department.
Despite the assurance from the department, the civil rights organisation is not happy with this affirmation; it demands details on the status of fuel reserves. AfriForum alleges that there may be fuel reserves that are just enough for three weeks, which is lower than the global requirement of 90 days.
According to Ernst van Zyl, Head of Public Relations at AfriForum, the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) “Oilgate” scandal from 2016 has become a hotly debated issue again 10 years later as uncertainty and secrecy surround the status of South Africa’s strategic fuel reserves.
“Many people have forgotten that in 2015/2016 the ANC-led South African government sold over 10 million barrels of the country’s strategic oil reserves and got ripped off in the process,” said Van Zyl.
AfriForum wants to leave no room for corruption given SFF’s previous dealings of which its former CEO Sibusiso Gamede allegedly walked away with millions in his pocket according to AfriForum.
The organisation says through its PAIA application, AfriForum has requested the DMRE to provide the following information:
1. The most recent official documented quantities of South Africa’s proven, probable and possible strategic fuel reserves.
2. A year-by-year breakdown of fluctuations in South Africa’s strategic fuel reserves over the past 10 years, including any changes in classification or reporting methodology.
3. A year-by-year account of how South Africa’s strategic fuel reserves have been utilised over the past 10 years, including:
- Quantities released or consumed annually.
- The purposes for which reserves were used (e.g., strategic supply, emergencies, market stabilisation, sale or other uses).
- Any policies or decisions guiding such usage.
4. Any internal or commissioned reports discussing energy security in relation to strategic fuel reserves.
5. Information on partnerships or collaborations with international entities regarding strategic fuel reserves development.
6. Any policies or frameworks governing the disclosure, classification or confidentiality of strategic fuel reserves data.
“Earlier this month AfriForum urged Enoch Godongwana, the Minister of Finance, to provide relief to the South African economy and consumers by cutting the fuel levy,” said Ernst van Zyl.
