The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has called for transparent communication on the progress of repair work at the fuel tank farm in the Port of Port Elizabeth.
On Wednesday, Transnet National Ports Authority, said it had suspended operations at the tank farm facilities so that emergency repair work could be undertaken at the facility.
It also said that fuel companies had contingent plans in place to ensure continuity of supply.
However, Algoa FM has been receiving reports of individual petrol stations running dry.
Chamber CEO, Kevin Hustler, says their demand is for a speedy resolution of the matter, and for Transnet National Ports Authority to communicate with all parties, including the community, regarding the exact situation on the ground.
"We must be provided with a definitive deadline on repairs, and on all contingency plans that are in place to avert this crisis from turning into a catastrophe. The potential economic impact is immeasurable at this time," Huslter said.
He says "the Chamber believes strongly that information should have been transparently shared with the fuel companies who are tenants of TNPA. As the landlord, TNPA is clearly responsible for the operations of the tanker berth, and effecting the repairs that are required."
"The manner in which this issue has been handled leads business to question the assertion that there was a 15 day-supply in the tanks at the time of the release to mitigate against any potential lengthy repair period and its disastrous consequences," Hustler added.
"There appears to have been a lack of transparent communication between all parties. In the midst of an emergency which has the potential to become a crisis, the golden rule is always to over-communicate. Right now, both business and citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay appear to be up the creek without a paddle."
