The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved amendments to the licensing conditions for petroleum facilities operated by Sasol Oil (Pty) Ltd (Sasol Oil) and TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd (TotalEnergies) in Prospecton and Island View, in KwaZulu-Natal.
Charles Hlebela, Spokesperson of NERSA, said the decision was actually made at the energy regulator’s meeting of the 29 April 2025.
The third amendment to the combined licence issued to Sasol Oil and TotalEnergies, involves the removal of all crude oil infrastructure from the licence conditions, a move prompted by TotalEnergies’ recent sale of its shares in the Natref crude refinery to Prax South Africa (Pty) Ltd (Prax SA).
Removing crude oil assets, including pipelines and storage tanks, is crucial in streamlining operations and reflects the current ownership structure.
Hlebela explained that the National Crude Oil Storage (NATCOS), a joint venture between Sasol Oil and TotalEnergies, applied for this amendment to align the licence conditions with the recent changes in asset ownership.
The Energy Regulator determined that amending the licence was the appropriate course of action, ensuring continuity in operations while adhering to the requirements of the Petroleum Pipelines Act, 2003 (Act No. 60 of 2003).
The regulator also approved a Combined Licence for Sasol Oil and Prax South Africa.
The two companies will operate petroleum facilities in Prospecton and Island View.
This new licence will enable the continued operation of the crude oil infrastructure previously held under the NATCOS licence, which is now under the ownership of Sasol Oil and Prax SA.
Hlebela said the approval of this licence is vital for maintaining the importation of crude oil, which is essential for processing at the National Refiners of South Africa Refinery (NATREF) in Sasolburg.
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