29 June 2006

BUYELWA Sonjica, the Minister of the Department of Minerals and Energy, has published Regulations regarding Petroleum Products Specifications and Standards under the Petroleum Products Act 1977 (Act 120 of 1977).

These regulations, which set out specifications and standards for petrol, diesel and bio-diesel fuels that may be sold for consumption in the Republic of South Africa, were published in the Government Gazette, 23 June 2006.

With regard to fuel specifications and standards, the industry has always been self-regulating, voluntarily adhering to all the relevant South African ABS national standards.

Consultations between the department and all stakeholders resulted in the prohibition of the addition of lead-based additives into petrol and the reduction of the sulphur content of diesel from 1 January 2006. The prohibition of lead and sulphur reduction provide both positive environmental health impacts and improved engine performance characteristics.

These regulations legislate mandatory compliance with the aforesaid and further set out:

• Permitted petrol and diesel grades, inclusive of bio-diesel and bio-diesel blend;
• Prohibition of certain activities (such as offering for sale, selling or providing one grade of petrol or diesel as another grade of petrol or diesel, as the case may be);
• Inspection and testing of petroleum products;
• Strict labelling specifications for petroleum products to enable motorists to make an informed choice as to the fuel they prefer to use; and
• The keeping and disclosure of records of purchase and sale transactions of petroleum products.

"In line with the government's cleaner air objectives, the Department of Minerals and Energy will further engage with all stakeholders to improve the specifications and standards of our fuels based on environmental considerations, international trends, technological demands and national imperatives." said Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, the Minister of Minerals and Energy.

It is anticipated that South African fuel specifications will be further aligned with more stringent international trends with regard to environmental and vehicle manufacturing technology considerations. The department will continue to facilitate the harmonising of fuel specifications and standards in the Southern African Developed Community (SADC) region and the African continent.