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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.