The Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) has been a cornerstone in managing South Africa's strategic fuel reserves and energy policies since the 1950s. This page outlines the significant milestones and decisions that have defined our evolution—from our early days managing fuel levies to our recent expansions into international markets. Here, we chart the growth and transformation of SFF through the decades, highlighting our key initiatives and investments that have sustained and advanced the nation's energy sector.

History of the Strategic Fuel Fund

1950s

• Levies on Liquid Fuels: Introduction of levies managed by CEF/SFF.
• Investments in Infrastructure: Commencement of investments in Island View and Milnerton facilities.
• Calref Refinery: Establishment of Calref refinery in Milnerton in 1966.
• Energy Diversification: Begin transforming Ogies coal mines into crude oil containers, continuing over an extended period.

1970s

• Strategic Reserves: Strategic crude oil stock reaches a peak of 158.5 million barrels, sufficient to supply South Africa for a year.
• Saldanha Terminal: Start of construction and commissioning of Saldanha Bay Terminal.

1980s

• CEF Act: Promulgation of CEF Act, designating CEF as the sole member of SFF.
• Energy Policy Initiatives: Publication of the White Paper on Energy Policy in 1998, setting future energy strategies.

1990s

• Market Expansion: SFF enters the oil trading market.
• Operational Changes: Initiation of the Ogies oil sell-off.

2000s

• Structural Reforms: Decision to create PetroSA from Mossgas and Soekor, integrating some sections of SFF.

2010s

• Corporate Development: SFF transitions from PetroSA to CEF management.
• Significant Investments: In 2011, SFF invested R1.049 billion in the Transnet NMPP as linefill.
• International Engagement: By November 2018, SFF was directed to operate in the South Sudan Oil and Gas sector.

2019 and Beyond

• Equity Acquisitions: SFF acquires a 60% equity stake in Avedia Energy, including the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal in Saldanha, Cape Town.
• Partnership Extensions: Acquisition of 50% interest in BP Southern Africa's (bpSA’s) Cape Town Terminal.