South Africa: SAPREF refinery shuts down amid ongoing unrest in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces as of July 13 /update 4

Event

Widespread fuel shortages are possible over the coming days after ongoing civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province prompted the shutdown of South Africa's largest oil refinery, SAPREF, on July 13. Company officials cited disruptions to critical incoming and outgoing supply routes, as well as concerns over the safety of personnel and vehicles as the reasons for the move. It is currently unclear how long the closure will continue. The refinery accounts for over 30 percent of the country's oil supply and significant fuel delivery disruptions could develop if the shutdown becomes protracted.

Communications disruptions are also likely with looting, arson, and other acts of violence reportedly targeting a number of local radio stations and other communications infrastructure, forcing some off the air as of July 13.

Protesters have gathered regularly in KZN and Gauteng since former President Jacob Zuma's July 7 arrest and incarceration. Activists have blocked primary and secondary roads, including the N2 and N3, in various locations across both provinces. Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) remain deployed to affected areas of Gauteng and KZN. At least 26 people have been killed and over 700 others arrested in the unrest.

Heavy security will almost certainly remain deployed until the protests abate. Ground travel disruptions are likely near all protest sites. Further violence is highly likely.

KZN
Protests have impacted parts of central Durban, including Queen Nandi Drive. In Pietermaritzburg, protesters looted the Massmart Makro Store and Warehouse during the morning of July 13. Unconfirmed reports indicate that few police and military have been deployed to Pietermartizburg, with resources being concentrated in central Durban. Unrest has also been reported in Richards Bay, Umhlanga, and Sibaya. Protesters have set dozens of vehicles on fire and the N3 toll route remains closed to traffic.

Shortages of certain goods are also occurring in some areas. In Richards Bay, only police and military vehicles are reportedly permitted to refuel due to a fuel shortage. In Umhlanga, Durban, and Pietermaritzburg, food shortages have reportedly prompted long queues at those grocery stores that are continuing to operate.

Gauteng
Protests, looting, and acts of arson have occurred in Alexandria, Diepkloof, Mamelodi, Soweto, and Vosloorus, with at least three shopping malls being targeted. Police have resorted to the use of rubber bullets to disperse gatherings. Several telecommunication companies have confirmed internet outages in the Vosloorus area.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Liaise with trusted contacts for further information on planned and actual protest areas. Consider alternative routes around impact areas. Plan for disruptions to both passenger and freight transport. Reconfirm the status of roads before travel. Heed the directives of the local authorities. Avoid the use of public transport services. Plan accordingly for potential fuel shortages until refinery operations resume. Verify deliveries; implement action plans to minimize supply chain disruptions. Stock up on fuel when possible.

Resources

i-traffic KZN (Twitter)
ECR Traffic (Twitter)
Jo'burg Metro Police Department