The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) recently concluded its flagship event, the South African Fuels Forum, held at the Melrose Arch Marriott Hotel in Johannesburg. Co-hosted by S&P Global Commodities, the forum brought together top government officials, industry leaders, and energy experts to engage in critical dialogue about the present and future of South Africa’s fuel industry.
At the outset, FIASA leadership emphasized the need for policy clarity, stronger industry partnerships, and urgent reforms to build a resilient and inclusive fuels market. Notably, in his keynote address, Minister Gwede Mantashe highlighted the impact of global trade tensions, shifting geopolitics, and U.S. tariffs. These challenges, he noted, place immense strain on developing economies like South Africa. Nevertheless, he encouraged delegates to view the current crisis as a unique opportunity to recalibrate and diversify the energy sector.
Five-Pillar Strategy Driving Transformation
Significantly, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) used the forum to outline its ambitious five-pillar strategy aimed at boosting investment and accelerating transformation in the mining and petroleum sectors. At the center of this approach is the development of a modern legislative framework.
For example, in October 2024, the department released the draft Petroleum Products Bill (PPB) to replace the outdated Petroleum Products Act. The bill seeks to strengthen regulatory certainty, encourage equitable participation, promote competitive practices, and advance transformation throughout the petroleum value chain. Moreover, another milestone includes the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act (UPRDA), a groundbreaking law that grants the petroleum sector independence from mining regulations. The UPRDA supports the sustainable development of upstream resources, with implementing regulations expected by September 2025.
Reviving Domestic Refining and Ensuring Fuel Security
Fuel security, unsurprisingly, dominated many of the discussions. The withdrawal of major players Chevron, Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, and Petronas from South Africa’s refining sector has disrupted supply chains. As a response, the DMPR and the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) are actively working to revive domestic refining. Their key projects include restarting PetroSA’s gas to liquids (GTL) refinery and the SAPREF plant, both of which are targeted for completion within the next five years.
Consequently, delegates emphasized that South Africa must move beyond fuel import dependency to become a hub for value-added petroleum production. Clearly, long-term supply security will require diversified sourcing alongside a resilient supply chain capable of absorbing market shocks.
Balancing Energy Demand with Environmental Goals
In addition, the forum examined the complex intersection between energy development and environmental sustainability. Although South Africa continues to depend on fossil fuels, it is simultaneously advancing its environmental compliance agenda. Delegates welcomed Shell’s approved plans to conduct deepwater drilling off the West Coast, especially considering the discovery of significant reserves in Namibia’s adjacent Orange Basin.
Importantly, government officials reiterated that economic development and ecological responsibility should not be seen as mutually exclusive. Instead, they called for balanced, sustainable progress through smart regulation and innovation.
Strengthening Regional Integration and Strategic Alliances
Furthermore, regional integration featured prominently. To improve Southern Africa’s energy security, the DMPR is actively fostering cooperation through bilateral and multilateral platforms. For instance, South Africa’s expanding presence in oil-producing countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Sudan demonstrates strategic partnerships. Its stake in Oil Block B2, in particular, offers a strong foundation for regional supply stability.
However, participants also cautioned that inaction could lead to regional disintegration. Without collaboration, Southern African countries risk higher fuel prices and reduced access to shared markets.
Ultimately, the 2025 South African Fuels Forum successfully united public and private stakeholders behind a bold vision for energy reform. As legislation progresses and infrastructure projects gain momentum, South Africa is clearly positioning itself for an energy secure, inclusive, and environmentally responsible future.
