The Transnet strike has brought losses of more than R1-billion in the agricultural sector, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson said on Monday.

"We are estimating a loss of over R1-billion for the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector," SABC news quoted her telling reporters in Cape Town.

According to the public broadcaster, SA Petroleum Industry Association executive director Avhapfani Tshifularo said there could also be interruptions to fuel supply if the strike, in its third week now, continued further.

The industrial action was putting strain on the delivery of fuel from refineries to destinations across the country.

Meanwhile, South Africa had bought gasoline in the spot market to stockpile inventories ahead of the football World Cup next month, traders said Monday.

They said South Africa had bought 30 000 tons of petrol from Russian oil firm Lukoil via a spot tender. Price details did not emerge and the deal was not confirmed by the companies.

"They want to have plenty around to cope with any increased demand while lots of people visit the country," one trader said.

Traders expected South Africa, through petrochemicals group Sasol and national oil firm PetroSA, would buy about four to five cargoes in the spot market. The spot demand from South Africa was seen as relatively small and short term.

SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union members, who account for 45 percent of Transnet workers, wanted a 15 percent pay hike. The parastatal was offering an 11 percent wage increase to its workers.

The United Transport and Allied Trade Union, which went on strike with Satawu, accepted the 11 percent offer on Friday.

AFP