By Garth Theunissen.
The Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) says the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) is implementing risk mitigation measures to prevent the disruption of jet fuel supplies to OR Tambo International Airport.
The measures come after a fire at at the Natref refinery on 4 January, Acsa said in a statement on Sunday. Acsa added that it was informed of the risk mitigation measures by the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (Fiasa).
“Immediate intervention and risk mitigation measures are required to address the anticipated jet fuel shortage at ORTIA [OR Tambo International Airport] between 20 January and the expected delivery date of 27 January 2025,” Acsa said. “Fiasa and Natref are collaborating with industry partners, including Acsa, to develop solutions by Tuesday, 14 January 2025. The primary focus is to ensure the continuous availability of jet fuel at ORTIA.”
Acsa’s statement said the broader South African fuel industry had been informed that the crude distillation unit (CDU) at the Natref refinery, which was damaged by the fire, is only expected to be back online by 21 February 2025. Nevertheless, the state-owned airports operator says it has sufficient jet fuel reserves to ensure availability at OR Tambo International until 20 January.
The Acsa statement said a delivery of 17 000m³ of jet fuel is expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport by Sunday 12 January. A planned pipeline injection of 31 000m³ from Durban is also scheduled for Tuesday 14 January, with delivery at OR Tambo International expected by 27 January.
Rail deliveries of jet fuel from Durban and Matola in Mozambique are also being prioritised, with additional capacity available to support increased jet fuel volumes. Fuel is also being sourced from other airports to supplement supplies.
“Airlines, passengers, and all stakeholders are assured that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain normal airport operations and guarantee a secure and uninterrupted fuel supply,” Acsa said, adding that it will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Acsa expects to provide an update on the jet fuel shortage at OR Tambo International on Tuesday 14 January.