Sasol Ltd, South African fuel and petrochemical company Sasol Ltd said on sunday that it will restart its refinery by the end of July after the company declared force majeure at its second biggest refinery on Friday due to a lack of crude oil.
Natref refinery’s shutdown located around 100 kilometers from Johannesburg and has sparked concerns of petrol and diesel shortages in the country where 60% of fuel products are imported. Sasol, however it said it did not expect any shortages.
Sasol, the only producer of petroleum products in South Africa through its two refineries – Secunda with output of around 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) and Natref at around 108,000 bpd.
“The crude tanker arrived in Durban and cargo dispatches are underway. Natref should start-up to run at maximum production capability by end July 2022,” Sasol said in the statement.
“We do not anticipate any fuel supply shortages to fuel stations, including our own.” The company, which owns the Natref refinery with a subsidiary of France’s Total Energies (TTEF.PA) said.
