Question NW4583 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
02 December 2022 - NW4583
Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What are the reasons that (a)(i) Engen and (ii) Sapref are issued a licence to import fuels when they are no longer manufacturing and/or refining and (b) the Government on its own capacity cannot take over?
Reply:
a) In terms of guidelines governing the import and export of crude oil, petroleum products and blending components every licensed manufacturer and wholesalers are allowed to import and export petroleum products.
South Africa is a net importer of petroleum product, meaning that even when these refineries were operating, they were expected to import certain portion of petroleum product.
b) There is nothing stopping state owned companies from importing petroleum products.