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The South African Petroleum Industry Association is confident that its member companies will be able to supply fuel during the 2010 FIFA World cup. This was announced by SAPIA chairman, Maurice Radebe, as he presented the organisation’s 2009 Annual Report in Sandton today.

The report contains a foreword from Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters, who highlights the initiatives in place to ensure that South Africa has sufficient fuel available during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Minister also addresses the importance of new fuel specifications, the progress towards mitigating the industry’s environmental impact and the advancement of broad-based black economic empowerment in the industry in her statement.

The 2009 SAPIA annual report offers insights to the South African petroleum industry in one convenient source. 2009 was a volatile year for the industry, with the crude oil price reaching an approximate high of US$81/barrel and an approximate low of US$34/barrel. Global oil demand declined in 2009 for the second consecutive year – for the first time in the past 26 years. The South African economy entered its first recession after more than 48 quarters of continuous positive economic growth resulting in a lower than expected demand for fuel. Demand for petrol increased by only 2.2 per cent in 2009 compared with the previous year, while demand for diesel decreased by 6.6 per cent.

Highlights of the 2009 SAPIA Annual Report include:

- an overview of the South African petroleum industry;

- sheds some light on what SAPIA sees as the main challenges facing the petroleum industry;

- identifies key changes in economic regulation and legislation;

- shares the findings of recent research into the impact of the global economic crisis on the South African petroleum industry;

- presents a statistical review of the industry; and

- highlights SAPIA’s environmental, social and economic progress.

Included in the annual report’s statistical section are the combined profits that the member companies earn from their oil importing, refining and marketing activities; data on sources of crude oil; crude oil price movements; consumption of petroleum products; evolution of Brent crude prices; capacity of South African refineries; information on fuel taxes and price breakdowns; major product market shares; health, safety and environment performance indicators and an industry workforce profile.

SAPIA Director Avhapfani Tshifularo says: ‘This annual report provides a holistic overview of the South African petroleum industry and is a useful reference for member companies, consumers, Member companies: BP Southern Africa (Pty) Limited, Chevron South Africa (Pty) Limited, Engen Petroleum Limited, PetroSA (Pty) Limited, Sasol Limited, Shell SA (Pty) Limited, Total South Africa (Pty) Limited media and members of government who wish to know more about the industry. SAPIA encourages open dialogue, engagement and sharing of information to equip decision makers and industry players with the necessary knowledge to develop solutions and plan for the years ahead.’