Diesel shortage hits Durban

There is a shortage of low sulphur diesel, particularly in Durban, the Fuel Retailers' Association (FRA) says.

"The situation is likely to get worse especially over the weekend," FRA CEO Reggie Sibiya said in a statement.

He said the association had been receiving complaints of a shortage of 50ppm (sulphur parts per million) diesel, particularly in the Durban area.

"Apparently the cause of the problem is that the import product received was off-spec."

Sibiya said the next shipment was expected to arrive on Tuesday and the diesel would probably only reach service stations by next Thursday or Friday.

Sibiya questioned whether fuel suppliers had adequate contingency plans.

"This brings into question the capacity building around storage for contingency plans," he said.

"It is amazing that a few import problems would suddenly lead to stock outs at service stations."

The association was concerned about supply problems due to planned and unplanned refinery shutdowns.

"The association received more than 300 reports of stock outs on various products," Sibiya said.

"Our supply value chain needs serious investigation. We seem not to get the supply situation right and it happens year after year."

Earlier this month, a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) caused petrol stations to run dry, after four of South Africa's six refineries were shut down.

Sibiya said LPG retailers had stopped complaining while some had discontinued the product.

The FRA is an independent body which promotes the interests of fuel retailers.