South Africa’s OR Tambo International Airport grapples with a severe jet fuel shortage following a refinery fire, and rushes to prevent February flight disruptions amidst mounting supply chain vulnerabilities.
A reported fire at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery on January 4 has ignited a critical jet fuel shortage at OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa’s busiest aviation hub. With current supplies sufficient to last just over seven days, stakeholders are racing against time to prevent flight disruptions in February.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that OR Tambo currently holds 27.1 million liters of jet fuel. With a daily consumption rate of 3.6 million liters, this reserve will sustain operations only until the week ending February 2. Meeting February’s projected requirement of 97.2 million liters has become a matter of urgency.
“The airport uses about 3.6 million liters of jet fuel a day, which means there is about 7.6 days of stock on hand until the week ending February 2,” ACSA stated in a press release last week.
The reopening of the NATREF refinery, which is only scheduled for February 27, leaves a crucial fuel gap in the interim.
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In response to the crisis, ACSA has mobilized a collaborative effort with the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA), government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Avhapfani Tshifularo, CEO of FIASA, emphasized in a press release, “We are facing a challenging situation, but we wish to assure stakeholders that the Fuels Industry Association and its members are committed to maintaining fuel availability and minimizing disruptions.”
Efforts to mitigate the shortage include prioritizing the movement of imported fuel from Durban to Gauteng via Transnet and increasing rail deliveries from Durban and Matola in Mozambique. Surplus storage capacity at King Shaka International Airport in Durban is being utilized to build reserves. Airlines are implementing measures such as tankering, which involves refueling at alternative airports to conserve OR Tambo’s limited reserves, involving several diversions of flights.
Despite these measures, airlines have raised concerns about restrictions from suppliers, leading to additional fuel stops at alternative airports. Passengers have been advised to prepare for potential delays. “ACSA recommends allocating extra time for connections, particularly for international flights,” the operator stated, and that passengers are encouraged to arrive earlier and maintain regular communication with airlines to ensure a seamless travel experience.
February’s fuel security hinges on the success of these contingency plans. FIASA has facilitated the injection of 26,000m³ of jet fuel from Durban, with 9,500m³ scheduled to arrive by January 21. “Every necessary step is being taken to maintain normal airport operations and ensure the secure and uninterrupted availability of jet fuel at OR Tambo,” ACSA emphasized.
The coordinated efforts from all parties will determine whether South Africa’s busiest airport is able to avoid disruption, with the coming weeks testing the resilience and adaptability of the aviation sector as it works to keep the skies open.
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