Namibia plans to eliminate use of leaded petrol by 2006

WINDHOEK – The complete elimination of leaded petrol usage in the country is set for the year 2006, Nampa news agency reported.

Director of Energy in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Gottlieb Amanyanga said on Monday that the phasing-out of leaded petrol in the country would end in 2006 after the completion of the upgrading of a refinery in South Africa, which is underway now. He explained that petrol and diesel products are sourced from the South African refinery, and before they eliminate the use of leaded petrol as was proposed, this refinery in that country has to be upgraded.According to acting Deputy Director of gas and fuel with the Ministry, Immanuel Nghishoongele, a task force work committee was established after 2001 representing the oil industry and the Ministry, and which is still ironing out finer details concerning the phasing out.He said issues to be addressed included Namibia’s ageing car fleet.”Some old cars may have difficulty with the change over,” he said.Most newer models are unleaded fuel compatible, Nghishoongele said.BP’s Ester Hoveka, who also serves on the committee, said the move was a Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) wide initiative.At a committee meeting to be held today, issues of impact of the phase-out, its timing and public education will be addresses, she said.Rynier du Preez, managing director of Total and chairman on the Namibia Petroleum Industry Association said a lot of work has been done on the technical side by the companies effected in collaboration with the ministry through the task force committee.He was positive that business would remain profitable for the fuel companies after the move as the industry has controlled margins.Although there will be cost implications, particularly at the refinery in South Africa, Du Preez spoke of some compensation afforded to road users, “probably an additive in the forecourt”.Amanyanga said in 1997, his Ministry introduced unleaded petrol and upgraded diesel from 0, 55 per cent sulphur in 2000 to 0,3 per cent.”We are trying to upgrade all the products, but everything would depend on the completion of the refinery in South Africa,” he said.Namibia, like other Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) states, aims to adhere to the practices and international specifications for petroleum and related products, he said.He explained that petrol and diesel products are sourced from the South African refinery, and before they eliminate the use of leaded petrol as was proposed, this refinery in that country has to be upgraded.According to acting Deputy Director of gas and fuel with the Ministry, Immanuel Nghishoongele, a task force work committee was established after 2001 representing the oil industry and the Ministry, and which is still ironing out finer details concerning the phasing out.He said issues to be addressed included Namibia’s ageing car fleet.”Some old cars may have difficulty with the change over,” he said.Most newer models are unleaded fuel compatible, Nghishoongele said.BP’s Ester Hoveka, who also serves on the committee, said the move was a Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) wide initiative.At a committee meeting to be held today, issues of impact of the phase-out, its timing and public education will be addresses, she said.Rynier du Preez, managing director of Total and chairman on the Namibia Petroleum Industry Association said a lot of work has been done on the technical side by the companies effected in collaboration with the ministry through the task force committee.He was positive that business would remain profitable for the fuel companies after the move as the industry has controlled margins.Although there will be cost implications, particularly at the refinery in South Africa, Du Preez spoke of some compensation afforded to road users, “probably an additive in the forecourt”.Amanyanga said in 1997, his Ministry introduced unleaded petrol and upgraded diesel from 0, 55 per cent sulphur in 2000 to 0,3 per cent.”We are trying to upgrade all the products, but everything would depend on the completion of the refinery in South Africa,” he said.Namibia, like other Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) states, aims to adhere to the practices and international specifications for petroleum and related products, he said.