STATEMENT SENT ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

As the Road Freight Employers Association (RFEA) and trade unions seek to end the Road Freight Driver’s strike action. SAPIA – The South African Petroleum Industry Association – is  advising motorists to continue to be calm as the contingency plans implemented by SAPIA members have been successful to date despite anticipated impact on service stations.

Last week SAPIA members activated contingency plans to minimise the impact on the delivery of fuel. Says Avhapfani Tshifularo, Executive Director of SAPIA, “, we can confirm that the results of our plans have been encouraging. Although we have experienced delays in fuel delivery and there are service stations reported dry – we do not see a need for the public to be concerned.”

“We have taken every precaution to prevent any fuel shortages nationally. I can confirm that there have been reports of intimidation targeting our transporters and we have been working very closely with law enforcement agencies in this regard.”

The strike action was brought about on Tuesday, 25 September 2012 as a result of a wage dispute in the road freight and logistics industry – represented mostly by the SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (SATAWU).

“We urge the trade unions and the RFEA to find a speedy resolution to the wage negotiations,” concluded Tshifularo