'Double blow' to fuel stations as international trade lowers
The Fuel Retail Association says low international trade coupled with massive fuel price slumps is resulting in a hammering of the country's fuel stations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly lowered the international trade volume.
Here at home, April saw a record fuel price drop of up to around R2 per litre with May set to be a similar case.
The Association's Reggie Sibiya says fuel station owners are currently with stock which they bought at a higher cost but are now selling at a loss - resulting in some going out of business.
He says help from government and oil companies is needed urgently.
"Obviously, not many customers are coming on-site, and the issue of [banning] cooked and hot meals is another double blow for service stations. We are pleading for that to be reviewed."
"We are not only providing an essential service to the public, we are also providing this essential service to other essential services like SAPS and ambulances."
NOW READ: SA eligible for a $4.2 bn COVID-19 relief loan at IMF - Mboweni
