A study undertaken by Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR) between 2012 and 2014 revealed that there are three main petroleum product consumption areas in Botswana. These are:
- The south eastern area represented by Gaborone;
- The north eastern area represented by Francistown;
- And the western area represented by Ghanzi/Maun.
These areas were found to constitute 57%, 35% and 8% of the overall national consumption of petroleum products respectively. The study recommended the construction of Tshele Hills oil storage facility with a capacity of 171 million litres; expansion of the Francistown Depot by 30 million litres to 95 million litres and construction of Ghanzi Depot with 20 million litre capacity to augment the existing two government storage facilities currently in use.
On the basis of the above, the Botswana Government through Botswana Oil Limited (BOL) is working to expand the existing storage capacity for petrol and diesel in Francistown to increase days cover and ensure security of supply.
Construction of the planned loading facility at the Francistown bulk strategic petroleum storage depot will address economic contingency plans under the Essential Supplies Regulations by improving the security of fuel supplies to Botswana. It will increase the Citizen Owned Oil Companies’ participation and also improve efficiency of service to BOL customers.
The Gantry will have the same functionality as the already existent at Gaborone Depot.