Download Petroleum industry outlines areas of alignment with NDP at industry

Petroleum industry outlines areas of alignment with NDP at industry seminar in
Sandton
12 November 2013 - Christian des Closières, Chairperson of the South African Petroleum
Industry Association (SAPIA), today announced the associations’ alignment with specific
initiatives in the National Development Plan (NDP) as it relates to the petroleum sector.
Des Closières spoke at an industry seminar - attended by the Department of Energy, SAPIA
members and other key stakeholders in the energy sector - which focused specifically on the
liquid fuels infrastructure and supply of fuel.
The NDP is a policy blueprint for eliminating poverty and reducing inequality in South Africa by
2030. It identifies issues such as economic infrastructure; environmental sustainability;
integrating the rural economy; improved training and development and transformation in
society.
“SAPIA and its members have existing programmes and agreements in place that support the
National Development Plan. We are supportive of the role the National Planning Commission
plays in the development and implementation of the NDP and there are a number of areas in
which the petroleum industry can play a role in assisting with the broader development
imperatives,” said Christian des Closières, Chairperson of SAPIA.
Areas of potential oil industry support
Economy Infrastructure
SAPIA members have publicly announced their investment initiatives in infrastructural areas
related to the petroleum industry including storage, logistics and near ports. As the association
members prepare to upgrade refineries to meet the new fuel standards, they are also
preparing for investment in minimum emissions standards, as well as discussing requirements
for increasing the volumes of strategic fuel stocks with the DoE. The association members
continue to import refined fuels in order to meet national demand.
Environmental sustainability and resilience
SAPIA is committed to guiding the environmental implications of its members’ business
activities by implementing international best practice through environmental committees. For
example, SAPIA has been involved in the development of Environmental Impact Assessment
Regulations, the formulation of effective Minimum Emissions Standards for refineries and the
introduction of fuels of a quality that enable the reduction in harmful vehicles emissions.
SAPIA works closely with government on a number of measures to reduce greenhouse gases
(GHG) from refineries as well as other energy efficiency initiatives, which will also result in a
reduction of GHG’s. This includes building energy efficienct structures. SAPIA is engaging with
government to determine the most practical carbon pricing and tax mechanisms.
An integrated and inclusive rural economy
SAPIA members have invested in Integrated Energy Centers (IECs) around the country, which
offer a one-stop service of a variety of energy goods close to local communities. This creates
jobs and provides an opportunity for local communities to be part of an energy business
venture and to take ownership of such initiatives.
Improving education, training and innovation
SAPIA views education, training and innovation as key priorities and has embarked on an
integrated vocational and professional education and training programme to address both
present and fit for purpose qualifications.
Transforming society and uniting the country
SAPIA members support transformation by concluding empowerment transactions as set out
by the Liquid Fuels Charter and complying with the Broad Based Black Economic
Empowerment Act and the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good
Practice.
/ Ends
About SAPIA
The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) is the voice of the petroleum
industry in South Africa. It represents the collectives interests of its members which are BP
Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, Chevron South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Engen Petroleum Limited, PetroSA
(Pty) Ltd, Sasol Limited, Shell SA (Pty) Ltd and Total South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
The SAPIA Constitution was amended during 2012 to make provision for admission of
members that are licenced wholesalers or manufactures. The new members are AEMCOR, Afric
Oil (Pty) Ltd, Bahlaloga Technology's, Brent Oil (Pty) Ltd, Camel Fuels (Pty) Ltd, Easigas (Pty)
Ltd, Elegant Fuels, Gulfstream (Pty) Ltd, Khulaco (Pty) Ltd, KZN Oils (Pty) Ltd, Mabele Fuels
(Pty) Ltd, Makwande Energy Trading (Pty) Ltd, Oryx Oil South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Royale Energy
Ltd, Siyanda Petroleum and Totalgaz Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd.
The association plays a strategic role in addressing a range of common issues relating to the
refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products, as well as promoting the industry’s
environmental and socio-economic progress. SAPIA fulfills this role by proactively engaging
with key stakeholders, providing research information, expert advice and communicating the
industry’s to government, members of the public and media.