Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe is facing calls to disclose the status of South Africa’s fuel reserves amid concerns about potential supply disruptions linked to conflict in the Persian Gulf.
The Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on mineral and petroleum resources, James Lorimer, said the minister has not provided sufficient detail on whether the country is meeting its legal requirement to maintain a minimum of two months’ supply of transport fuel.
Mantashe recently assured delegates at an oil and gas conference that there was no need for panic over possible fuel shortages. However, he did not reveal the current level of reserves, prompting concerns that the required stockpile may not be in place.
According to legislation, South Africa is required to hold strategic fuel reserves equivalent to roughly 60 days of supply. Lorimer said the minister’s failure to confirm compliance with this requirement raises questions about whether the reserves have been adequately maintained.
He has called on the minister to urgently disclose the exact status of the country’s fuel reserves in order to address public uncertainty.
Lorimer added that if reserves have fallen below the required level, government should outline a clear plan to replenish and sustain them. He also warned that early transparency is critical to allow businesses and consumers to prepare for any potential shortages.
The Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on mineral and petroleum resources, James Lorimer, said the minister has not provided sufficient detail on whether the country is meeting its legal requirement to maintain a minimum of two months’ supply of transport fuel.
Mantashe recently assured delegates at an oil and gas conference that there was no need for panic over possible fuel shortages. However, he did not reveal the current level of reserves, prompting concerns that the required stockpile may not be in place.
According to legislation, South Africa is required to hold strategic fuel reserves equivalent to roughly 60 days of supply. Lorimer said the minister’s failure to confirm compliance with this requirement raises questions about whether the reserves have been adequately maintained.
He has called on the minister to urgently disclose the exact status of the country’s fuel reserves in order to address public uncertainty.
Lorimer added that if reserves have fallen below the required level, government should outline a clear plan to replenish and sustain them. He also warned that early transparency is critical to allow businesses and consumers to prepare for any potential shortages.