Energy security and liquid fuels in South Africa

 

 

Jabavu Clifford Nkomo

International Development Research Centre

 

 

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ABSTRACT

South Africa relies heavily on imported crude oil. Domestic sources and available substitutes alone cannot satisfy the country's current demand, resulting in imported crude oil accounting for over 90% of South Africa's requirements. This high level of dependence on imported crude oil exposes the economy to potential events that either interrupts supplies or leads to higher oil prices thereby undermining economic growth and development. Widening diversity of supply, demand-side measures and maintaining strategic inventories will strengthen energy security.

Keywords: vulnerability, security, dependence, diversification

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Full text available only in PDF format.

 

 

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Received 6 September 2005
Revised 30 January 2009

 

 

Submitted by the author when employed at the Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town.