MEDIA RELEASE
20 September 2006

SAPREF START-UP ON COURSE

The SAPREF refinery, which has been undergoing a planned maintenance shutdown since 26 June 2006, is in the process of starting up all units that were involved. The refinery commenced start up of the boilers on 23 August 2006 and has been progressively starting units since then. The first products made were solvents and bitumen with lube oils soon after. Currently half of refinery capacity is anticipated to be restored by the end of this week and full capacity by the end of September. Petrol, diesel and marine fuel will be manufactured this week. During the shutdown period SAPREF continued to manage and maintain crude oil supply to the country through the single buoy mooring.

Shutdowns are a routine activity in refining where the regular shut down and maintenance of key units is a legal requirement in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In addition to the maintenance work on a number of units, at the same time the opportunity was taken to implement environmental improvement projects totaling approximately R5 million and to renew existing environmental control equipment worth R45m.

For further information please contact:

Prudence Mbatha
Communications Officer
SAPREF
Tel: (031) 480 1303
Fax: (031) 468 1111
Email: mbathap@sapref.com