Question NW67 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
10 March 2023 - NW67
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) What are the reasons that his department is refusing to grant a diesel wholesale licence to Eskom; (2) in light of the fact that having storage infrastructure is not a requirement for a diesel wholesale licence and that a number of wholesalers do not meet such a requirement, has he found that it is reasonable to expect Eskom to comply with the specified requirement; (3) whether, given that Eskom is in a crisis, and that the purchase of diesel is critical to mitigating the effects of load shedding, he and/or his department will fast-track the licence application by Eskom and assist them to obtain such a licence; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- Eskom’s business case clearly demonstrated that they are not intending to be in the business of wholesale Petroleum Products. Purchasing diesel for own use does not require a Wholesale Licence.
- As indicated above, Eskom is not in the business of wholesaling as envisaged in the law.
- There is no impediment to the purchasing of diesel by Eskom as there are a number of experienced oil companies in the South Africa that are capable of supplying fuel to any customer at competitive prices as was envisaged by Legislation.