South African motorists can expect a big drop in the price of petrol in August – however, a strike by workers in the petroleum industry could lead to a fuel shortage.
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The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union (Ceppwawu) has announced a strike this morning with picketing and demonstrations expected at oil refineries.
Refinery workers, fuel truck drivers and depot workers are expected to take part in the strike.
State-owned PetroSA Ltd., which processes the equivalent of 45,000 barrels daily at its natural-gas to liquid fuels plant, hasn’t been affected by the strike, spokesman Thabo Mabaso said by phone.
The employer is reportedly offering seven percent.
“With our members and other unions, more than 20,000 workers are on strike”.
The union’s Clement Chitja says workers will not back down from their position. “Operations continue as planned with no impact on production”.
The National Petroleum Employers Association, of which Sasol is a member, was not immediately available to comment. It did not include those employed at service stations.
“While nothing can be guaranteed, we will do as much as reasonably possible to ensure the continued supply of fuel products to our customers”, Chevron spokeswoman Suzanne Pullinger said.
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The country, which produces 70 percent of the world’s platinum, was badly hit by a five-month strike by 70,000 platinum miners in 2014.
