More than half of the country’s refining capacity has been shut down in line with lockdown regulations. When lockdown was instated on march 26, there was restricted activity on essential services. As the rules have begun relaxing, more industries that need diesel will begin operations.

“The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) can confirm that there is currently a shortage of diesel in the country. Since the easing of lockdown restrictions and the transition from Alert Level 5 to Alert Level, the opening of the economy has resulted in a more rapid recovery than expected to continue to the end of May.”

Diesel shortages might continue until mid-June, and it is likely to hit Kwazulu-Natal and the interior of the country most.

Stockpiles of diesel are running low, the department of Mineral Resources and Energy said in a reply to questions. “Unplanned equipment shutdowns were also a factor in the shortage,” said Sapia

The good news is that petrol is not affected. A spokesperson for Sapia said the demand for petrol had declined by 60% during lockdown, which meant that producers had sufficient supply. In addition, the organisation said that the demand for the petrol since the opening of the economy has not increased as dramatically as it has for diesel.

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Here are the do’s and don’ts on Level 4, starting on 1st May, as outlined by the president:

• Some business will be allowed to resume operations under specific conditions.
• Every business will have to adhere to detailed health and safety protocols to prevent their employees, and workplace plans will be put in place to enable disease and prevent the spread of the infection.
• All businesses that are permitted to resume operations will be required to do so in phased manner, first preparing that workplace for a return to operations, followed by the return of the workplace in batches of no more than one-third.
•  In some cases, a sector will not be able to return to full production during level 4 while the risk of infection remains high.
• These will be spelled out the following days a final round of consultations.
• Businesses will be encouraged to adopt a work-from-home strategy where possible.
• All staff who can work remotely must be allowed to do so.
• The relevant ministers will provide details on the process for the phased re-opening of schools and other educational institutions.
• Our borders will remain closed to international travel, except for the repatriation of South African nationals and foreign citizens.
• No travel will be allowed between provinces, except for the transportation of goods and exceptional circumstances such as funerals.
• Public transport will continue to operate, with limitations on the number of passengers and stringiest hygiene requirement,including that all passengers must wear a face mask.
• The public is encouraged to stay at home, other than for essential personal movement, doing essential work and work in sectors that are under controlled opening. People can exercise under strict public health conditions.
• All gatherings, apart from funerals and for work, will remain prohibited.
• Those who are elderly, and those with underlying conditions, must remain at home and take additional precautions to isolate themselves.
• The sale of cigarettes will be permitted.
• The range of goods that may be sold will be extended to incorporate certain additional categories. These will be detailed by the relevant ministers.
• Bars and shebeens (unlicensed establishment or private house selling alcohol) will remain closed
• Conference and convention centers, entertainment venues, cinemas, theaters, and concerts will remain closed.
• Concepts, sporting events and religious, cultural and social gatherings will not allowed until it is deemed safe for them to continue.

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