Bereng Mpaki
THE Ministry of Energy and Meteorology has moved to assure motorists that the current fuel shortage experienced by Puma filling stations is being addressed as a matter of urgency.
The ministry indicated that the issue has been solved as delivery trucks are already arriving with fuel consignments to refill outlets in the country and is expecting the shortage situation to normalise soon.
Since Monday this week, motorists across the country have been scrambling to fill up their tanks as Puma filling stations ran dry.
By Wednesday, long queues were visible at the Engen filling stations which is the only alternative to the Puma brand around the country.
“The public is notified that it should not be troubled by the news that there is a fuel shortage in the country,” the ministry said in a statement released yesterday.
“The current fuel shortage affected filling stations supplied by Puma brand. This has been caused by supplier change from Total to Sasol. Fuel in Engen filling stations is available.
“You are therefore informed that necessary steps have already been taken to normalise the situation. Delivery Trucks from Sasol are already arriving in the country bringing consignments to Puma garages.
“You are therefore requested to disregard any information from any other sources.”
The information has been corroborated off record by the management of Puma garages.
Executive Transport, which transports fuel for Engen, has indicated that together with its client, they are ready to absorb the excess demand in the market.
“Executive Transport, along with its client Engen, stands ready to absorb any excess demand in the fuel market. We have mobilised our resources in such a way that we will adequately serve all Puma clients while they sort out their issues,” Lehlohonolo Lephema, the operations director at Executive Transport said.
