Preventative measures have been taken to supply Johannesburg residents with gas until the Sasolburg plant is fully operational, Egoli Gas said on Friday.
Sasol warned earlier on Friday that Johannesburg residents who use hydrogen gas could be left without gas for three weeks due to technical problems at the Sasolburg plant.
Affected areas are Berea, Yeoville, Hillbrow, Parktown, Houghton, Kenilworth, Rosettenville, Turffontein, Steeldale and Electron. Customers affected will be those of Egoli Gas who have not yet converted to Sasol’s supply of natural gas from Mozambique, the company said.
Sasol stopped supplying gas to the Egoli Gas storage facility at Cottesloe, near Melville, on Wednesday after ensuring the facility was full.
”Big users of hydrogen would be converted over the weekend, and the remaining hydrogen gas would be enough to supply users until June 12, when Sasol would be back on line,” said Quintus Joubert, MD of Egoli Gas.
A reduced supply of hydrogen gas — 20% of the normal supply — will still be supplied by Sasol.
Between 60% and 70% of its clients have already been converted to natural gas and the rest will follow soon. — Sapa