Chairperson, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hon Motau for the statement relating to the availability of liquefied petroleum gas, LPG. We know that, as we speak, we are actually going through dire straits in relation to this particular energy resource.
We are busy engaging with industry and the Department of Public Enterprises about Transnet's role in order to make sure that we can unlock the available options.
I want to indicate to the House that we do have challenges in relation to the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of the Republic of South Africa, PetroSA, as well as the Engen Refinery, Enref, still being offline due to the unplanned shutdown they experienced. However, Chevron and Shell SA Refining and BP Southern Africa, Sapref, are back on stream.
I will be engaging with the refineries in order to reduce petrol production and increase LPG production. This has a bearing on motorists, as it means that we must reduce fuel consumption and save fuel. It means that South Africans need to start learning to use lift clubs and public transport.
I also want to thank the Minister of Transport for the announcement about reducing speed limits, because it will contribute towards saving fuel in the country. It is easy for us to import petrol and therefore we are calling on the industry role-players in the refineries to use the available feedstock to produce LPG.
I am sure that hon Motau knows that we are working on a 20-year infrastructure plan along the same lines as that used to develop the Integrated Resource Plan, IRP, for electricity. We need a long-term plan for available liquid fuels infrastructure, not only for LPG, but for all the necessary energy infrastructure, including diesel, paraffin, petrol and others.
I want to say that we understand the challenges we are facing right now. The Ministers of Trade and Industry and of Public Enterprises and I will address our short-term challenges. I want to indicate that the only option that can bring LPG is to reduce the production of petrol.
We don't want to hear members again raising questions about petrol shortages tomorrow. At least we have options in the availability of public transport and bicycles. Thank you. [Applause.]