The department of minerals and energy expressed concern over fuel supply problems on Thursday after BP warned customers of supply problems due to a strike.
"This is exactly the concern we had all the time and we were hoping it would not come to this," said spokesperson Sputnik Ratau.
"Yes, we are worried if one supplier has come out to say they can't deliver, because the consumer won't be able to access liquid fuel."
Earlier, BP warned customers that the strike had "gravely impacted" on their delivery schedule to various BP stations nationally.
"We are working hard to resume normal operations as soon as possible. Meanwhile we will continue to strive for the safety of our staff and customers," said BP spokesperson Zipporah Mothoa.
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The union's tanker drivers were not doing their usual deliveries.
"That is because our members are on strike," said Keith Jacobs, a spokesperson for Ceppwawu (Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood, and Allied Workers' Union).
One garage manager, who asked not to be named, said his customers were "up in arms" over the shortage as he was one of the major diesel suppliers in the industrial area that he is situated in.
The union went on strike on Monday over a pay disagreement. Employers are offering eight percent and the union is asking for 9.5 percent.
Jacobs said union representatives would meet on Thursday morning to discuss an offer for the pharmaceutical sector, but all other sectors - industrial chemicals, petrol, glass, fast moving consumer goods, wood and paper had not heard anything yet.
Meanwhile, PetroSA in Mossel Bay remained closed to protect workers and the facilities, said spokesperson Butani Nkosi, but the SA Petrol Refineries - jointly owned by Shell and BP - said operations at the refinery were normal on Thursday.
The department of minerals and energy said it hoped for a resolution soon but could not intervene as this would set a precedent for any future disputes. - Sapa
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