There’s still no clarity on the 50 million litres of PetroSA diesel boost for Eskom.

The utility’s spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha says however, that this diesel will be used up rather quickly. Eskom needs the fuel to run its two open-cycle gas turbine power plants.

They are an integral part of Eskom’s back up supply as the utility battles to keep the lights on. Last week it announced that it had overspent its diesel budget and had no more funds to buy new stock until next April.

Now Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan, has announced the fuel injection from PetroSA, but there’s no payment arrangement in place as yet.

Meanwhile, Eskom has reduced the load shedding stages. Stage 3 load shedding will now be in place from 4pm to 5am until Monday. Daytime load shedding will be maintained at Stage 2 between 5am and 4pm until further notice.