Creecy opens Durban fuel hub to black-owned players in bid to secure energy supply

TRANSPORT Minister Barbara Creecy has moved to open South Africa's bulk liquid terminal sector to black empowerment players, while at the same time shoring up the country’s fuel security.

- BANELE GININDZA

Creecy on Thursday instructed Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to renew the leases of existing operators at Durban’s Island View precinct, a critical hub through which about 70% of South Africa's fuel imports pass.

Using her powers under Section 79 of the National Ports Authority Act, Creecy bypassed the normal leasing process, citing national interest.

As part of the directive, Creecy ordered that the Central Energy Fund (CEF) — which acquired the Sapref refinery from BP and Shell in 2024 — be allocated 15% of Island View's capacity, with the option to expand to 30%.

The CEF will serve as a third-party access point for emerging black-owned players who previously struggled to enter the market.

The directive, welcomed by the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, ends years of wrangling over short-term leases that had discouraged investment and threatened security of supply.