Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule wants stations selling contaminated petrol to be shut down
Image: David Ritchie/Independent Newspapers
Mikateko Mahlaule, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, has urged the government to shut down petrol stations identified as selling contaminated diesel or petrol across the country.
South Africa has struggled with fuel contamination for several years, as a report from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy revealed last year that approximately 70 petrol stations were supplying contaminated diesel.
In 2022, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe also voiced concerns over the growing problem of contaminated fuel across the country.
Speaking to SABC, Mahlaule explained that the committee has engaged with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to ensure that stations found in breach of the law are shut down, rather than merely fined.
“There is one thing that troubles us as a committee—the adulteration of fuel. This is a serious concern for us, and we are urging the department to close down those stations, not just fine them. They are causing damage to vehicles, tractors, and any equipment that relies on fuel. It is unprofessional and unacceptable,” Mahlaule told the public broadcaster.
Mahlaule also expressed alarm over the deteriorating condition of several of the country’s fuel refineries, warning that their current state could be a key factor in the ongoing contamination issue.
“We have found that the country’s refining capacity is at an all-time low, as some refineries have closed. Many are repurposing their business models, and we are deeply concerned.
"When we conduct oversight, our goal is to understand the work being done and to encourage improvement. But when we visited Sasol and SSF, our concern was that South Africa’s refining capacity is now down to just 35%,” Mahlaule added.
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