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Engen has reaffirmed its long-standing support for South Africa’s agricultural sector at NAMPO Harvest Day 2026, focusing on fuel security, logistics, and industry partnerships amid rising input costs.
Part of the Vivo Energy group, Engen has partnered with Grain SA for more than 40 years and continues to position itself as a key supplier to farming operations and the broader food value chain.
Sharveen Maharaj, Engen’s general manager for commercial, said the current operating environment has heightened the importance of reliable fuel supply. “Fuel security is about more than keeping operations running. It is about ensuring that food gets from farm to table,” Maharaj said, pointing to the role of logistics in maintaining national food supply chains.
Rising cost pressures shape NAMPO theme
NAMPO 2026 was held under the theme “Resilience through innovation”, reflecting mounting pressure on producers from climate variability, market uncertainty, and escalating input costs.
The event comes at a time when April and May have recorded some of the highest diesel and fuel prices in South Africa, further straining production economics and reinforcing the need for efficiency across farming systems.
Engen said its offering at NAMPO aligns with this theme, focusing on high-performance fuels and lubricant technologies designed to support productivity in demanding agricultural conditions.
Logistics partnership underscores food security
A central feature of Engen’s presence at NAMPO is its partnership with food rescue organisation SA Harvest, which highlights the role of logistics in addressing food insecurity. Through the partnership, Engen provides fuel support for SA Harvest’s transport fleet, enabling the collection and redistribution of surplus food to communities in need.
“We often think hunger is a shortage of food, but in South Africa, hunger is a shortage of movement,” Maharaj said. “Fuel becomes kilometres, kilometres become meals, and meals restore dignity.”
The NAMPO activation included a live food experience using rescued ingredients, demonstrating how improved supply chain efficiency can reduce waste while expanding food access.
On-site activation drives engagement
Engen’s exhibition at NAMPO includes a mix of educational and promotional elements, with its tractor museum again forming a central attraction.
Visitors were also able to participate in competitions, including a ‘free fuel for a year’ giveaway, and attending scheduled appearances by Springbok rugby players.
The company said these activations are designed to engage both producers and the wider agricultural community, while reinforcing its role across fuel supply, logistics, and retail convenience. – Nikilene Steenkamp, Plaas Media
