Fuel stations in Durban starting to run dry

Some fuel stations in Durban already ran dry on last week due to interruptions in supply caused in the aftermath of flooding in KwaZulu-Natal.eThekwini municipality spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela confirmed on Friday afternoon that a number of fuel stations have run dry and more might end up in the same situation as demand is expected to pick up."We are told the supply will likely be restored in about two days," he told Fin24. "Apparently, what has compounded our woes is a sink hole which I am told is at Bayhead and makes it difficult for trucks to ferry fuel from the refinery to depots."Notice issued by the eThekwini municipality explains that the recent floods have caused extensive damage to Bayhead Road, an important access route to the Durban Container Terminal and Island view complex.To enable the movement of essential goods from the terminal while Bayhead Road is being repaired, port stakeholders have agreed that the Bluff route will be used by the trucking industry effective from Saturday 16 April."Municipal by-laws have been relaxed to open up the alternative route from the harbour to the M7 Solomon Mahlangu Drive for trucks. Trucks transporting essential cargo such as food, fuel and pharmaceutical products will be prioritised," the municipal notice states."Relaxation of by-laws will be effective up until the Bayhead outbound carriageway is repaired and operational. Law enforcement will be on hand to manage traffic and residents&#039; safety in the alternative route."The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) said in a statement on Friday that there is adequate petroleum product availability in the country following the recent floods in KZN.SupplyWhile there has been an impact on operations across the supply chain, there is no immediate risk to the availability of fuel. The movement of petroleum products is, however, challenging with a number of sites running dry across the province. Replenishments are planned from areas outside of Durban and the situation is being monitored.SAPIA urges the public to avoid panic buying as this will contribute to further retail sites running out of fuel. "Work to the damaged infrastructure is underway, with the clearing of debris at the Durban port. Shipping of petroleum products is currently halted. Most of the Island View terminals have been restored and pipeline injections have commenced. Pipelines were not affected by the floods," stated SAPIA.The closure of the main access road to Island View, the primary storage area at the Durban port, has resulted in limited loading of fuel trucks. An alternative route to access the port is enabling a 20% loading capacity. Railway operations out of Durban have been paused due to mud coverage and railway tracks being washed away. Repairs to the rail lines are expected to take eight days. "The Sapref [refinery] remains flooded but all staff have been accounted for. The industry is working together with its stakeholders to safely restore all operational infrastructure and mitigate any further fuel supply risks," states SAPIA.-Fin24

Fuel stations in Durban starting to run dry

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