During the recent briefing by the Department of Energy, the Portfolio Committee on Energy learnt that the petroleum industry is still reluctant to disclose information to the department relating to fuel sales and consumption. One of the reasons usually given by the industry is that disclosing information will make entities vulnerable to competition. Unfortunately, this situation places the department in a difficult position when it comes to its planning efforts.
A call is therefore made to the petroleum industry to reconsider its position and co-operate with the department. To safeguard the rights of the industry, the Department of Energy and the petroleum industry could agree on measures to protect confidential information disclosed by the industry to the department.
The ANC government will continue to engage the petroleum industry in the hope that the industry will review its current stance and co-operate with the government and share information with the department. The industry's co- operation will enable the department to play its role in enhancing the sustainable supply of fuel. I thank you. [Applause.]