Fuel shortages in SA

One of the top stories in SA over the past two days has been the fuel shortage - planes being delayed at Cape Town International Airport due to lack of fuel, and petrol stations mainly in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town also running dry. I must admit, I haven't really been following the stories, but what has somehow impinged on my consciousness is that it all seems to have something to do with the fact that as from the 1st of January 2006, the country is switching over to unleaded fuel. Previously one had a choice, but now it's only unleaded petrol.

It all sounds rather confusing to a motoring ignoramus like myself, with all sorts of terms like octane grades, lead replacement petrol and catalytic converters being bandied around. I count myself blessed that my car already uses unleaded so personally it's one thing less in life to have to worry about.

However, if like me, this type of thing confuses you and you need to know what's going on, the ever trusted Sapa has an article explaining the ins and outs in a way that even I can understand.

"Q: What's happening?
A: From January 1, leaded petrol will be phased out. Three unleaded octane grades of petrol — 91, 93 and 95 — will be allowed nationally, and two grades of lead replacement petrol — 93 inland and 95 at the coast — will be available for use in older vehicles. At the same time the existing grade of diesel will be replaced by grades with a much lower sulphur content.

Q: You say January 1: my local filling station already has different labels on the pumps.
A: January 1 is the official changeover date, but some BP service stations have already done it.

Q: What's wrong with leaded petrol?
A: The lead that goes into petrol gets spewed out of exhaust pipes into the environment. It's a poison: it can cause neurological damage, which particularly in children leads to reduced IQ and behavioural problems.

Q: What does "phasing out" mean?
A: There will still be some lead even in lead replacement petrol — albeit in ever-decreasing quantities — until all traces of the heavy metal have been flushed from the distribution chain. This could take up to six months...."

The rest of the article follows.

"Q: How do I choose between unleaded and lead replacement petrol?
A: Open www.naamsa.co.za, and on the list of links on the left hand side, click on "vehicle fuel compatibility". On the page that comes up, go to the bottom, click on "Click here to continue to the Database System" and look for your vehicle. Naamsa is the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.

Q: Which of the three octanes must I use?
A: Look at www.naamsa.co.za.

Q: I've looked at the website and I'm still confused.
A: On the Naamsa "vehicle fuel compatibility" page, click on "manufacturer contact details" to get a number for the people who actually made your car. They should be able to give you the answers you need.

Q: I don't have a computer. How do I find out what fuel to use?
A: All service stations should have a paper copy of the Naamsa checklist on their forecourts, so you can look there. Or ask your mechanic.

Q: Do I have to empty my tank before I fill it with the new petrol or diesel?
A: No. You can mix the old and new fuels.

Q: How will I know the difference between all these sorts of petrol?
A: They will be clearly marked on the pumps.

Q: Do I have to do anything to my car's engine?
A: Maybe. Some older vehicles - pre 1996, and particularly in coastal areas — may need a timing adjustment if they were using 97 and are going over to 95. Check the Naamsa website or ask your mechanic.

Q: If my timing needs adjustment, must it be done before I put in my first dose of cleaner petrol?
A: No, but it is a good idea to get it done soon afterwards. Driving for extended periods at speed and under load — for example, pulling a heavy trailer — can damage an engine that is not properly adjusted.

Q: How much will the timing adjustment cost?
A: Nothing, if you go to one of the over 140 workshops listed on the website of the Retail Motor Industry organisation — www.rmi.org.za — who are offering a free timing check, plus a free adjustment if necessary. The RMI can also be contacted on 011-789-2542.

Q: Is the new petrol going to be more expensive?
A: For the most part no. The exception will be 95 octane petrol in inland areas, which will carry a levy set initially at 10c a litre to encourage motorists not to use an octane grade higher than they need. Lead replacement petrol will be the same price as unleaded of the same grade.

Q: Surely it's my choice to use a higher octane if I want? Why must I pay a levy?
A: Introduction of cleaner fuels is an environment issue: higher octane petrol requires more energy to produce, and takes a higher toll on the environment.

Q: What happens if I use the wrong octane?
A Using a higher octane than you need doesn't improve your car's performance, and is a waste of money. Too low an octane can affect performance and make your engine knock, which is potentially damaging.

Q: What is the coastal area?
A: Roughly, anywhere below a height of 1200 metres.

Q: Will all the octane grades be available at every service station in the country?
A: Not necessarily, but there will always be one your car can use.

Q: What are bottled additives?
A: At some time in the future, as older cars are scrapped and there's no longer enough demand for lead replacement petrol, oil companies may stop making it available through the pumps. At that point, bottled additives which give engines protection against wear will be available on forecourts for vehicles that need it.

Q: I drive a diesel vehicle: what do I have to do or worry about?
A: Nothing. The cleaner diesel is in fact better for your engine.

Q: And the cost?
A: It will be more expensive, in line with international market prices. Q: What happens if I drive to a neighbouring country?
A: You may not be able to get fuel at all in Zimbabwe, but in other countries you should have no problem finding suitable diesel or petrol, even though you may have to use additives .

Q: Is unleaded petrol okay for motorbikes, lawnmowers and outboard engines?
A For most of them, yes, but not for the few which use old engine technology. Ask your dealer if you have doubts."

Q: I want more information.
A: Have a look at the South African Petroleum Industry Association website - www.sapia.co.za. On the home page, click on "cleaner fuels" on the left hand side. Or phone them on 021-4198054.

Sapa

Comments

[bhagavat jayan]

DEAR SIR, MY CAR IS TOYOTA CRESEDA 82 MODAL WHICH NUMBER PETROL YOUR PREFERING FOR THAT 91 OR 95