File: A fuel pump. AFP/Daniel Leal
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa is stepping up efforts to secure its fuel supplies.
A new draft policy calls for emergency fuel reserves for both government and industry.
It outlines procedures for releasing strategic stockpiles during a supply crisis.
The draft Strategic Petroleum Stock Policy could introduce fuel rationing during major supply crises.
The plan would require government to hold 90 days of crude oil reserves, while manufacturers and wholesalers keep 14 days of fuel stocks.
A Level 3 emergency would be declared if over half of fuel supplies are disrupted, triggering the release of strategic reserves and fuel rationing.
Government officials say the policy aims to bolster energy security as South Africa relies more heavily on imported fuel.