In the aviation world , there must be doom & gloom amongst all users of Avgas. Here follows a combination of snippets gleaned from several South African Press Releases -make of it what you will !
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"The refinery is being modified to meet the new cleaner air legislation with work expected to be completed by next Thursday. "
"Shell spokesman Dennis Matsane said Shell was importing 2 000 tons of Avgas, which was expected to arrive on April 14, and a further 3 000 tons was expected on April 24."
"The problem started when Durban's South African Petroleum Refinery (Sapref), co-owned by BP and Shell, shut down production of Avgas at the beginning of the year when they had to make modifications in compliance of the new cleaner fuel legislation.
The refinery is being modified to meet the new cleaner air legislation with work expected to be completed by next Thursday."
"There are only four Avgas manufacturers worldwide and following the closure of the Durban refinery, two others shut down for maintenance, leaving only one responsible for the world's supply. At the same time two other Avgas refineries shut down for maintenance, leaving only the US refinery to meet global supply demands. "
"This put strain on the system and now there's a huge demand on the refinery in the US to make enough Avgas,"said Kader Jacobs, BP Aviation supply logistics manager. said.
Reports from all main SA centres indicate a serious rationing so as to keep essential emergency services operational. In the neighbouring countries around Southern Africa , the situation is even worse as they are totally dependant on receiving supplies from the South African refinery, or importers.
What's th news from the rest of the world ? Surely they too must be affected ? Let's hear from Ppruners !
So we can but wish everyone affected good luck that they survive this energy crunch.
