Concern over possible fuel shortages as supply constrained by KZN floods
Authorities in eThekwini say they are working around the clock to ramp up fuel supply as fears of shortages mount.
Fuel supply to the country was dramatically constrained during the week as KZN dealt with catastrophic flooding.
Hundreds are reported dead in the province while dozens others are still unaccounted for.
The heavy rainfall also disrupted business while some major roads buckled under severe pressure.
Heavy vehicle fuel supplies from Island View Terminal in the Port of Durban resumed operations on Thursday where fuel distribution was constrained to 20% of the normal daily supply chain operation, strictly during daytime.
Supplies have since been increased to 60% of normal daily supply.
But the city says the fuel industry and the Transnet National Port Authorities are still concerned that the volume of fuel might not be sufficient to cater for the country’s fuel requirements and demand.
“This creates a risk of fuel stations running out of petrol and diesel in the coming days,” says the city.
“The heavy vehicle operation through the Bluff will continue to be overseen and managed by Metro Police and South African Police Services and will be suspended once the Bayhead Road Outbound carriageway has been repaired and declared safe for trucking operations. At this point some of the heavy vehicle fuel supplies will revert back to Bayhead Road.”
Repairs on Bayhead Road are expected to be completed on Tuesday.
“Metro police and South African Police Services will continue to manage this heavy vehicle movement and the fuel industry has committed to heavy vehicles operating within the bounds of the law and to minimising negative impacts on the residents and commuters.”
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