Johannesburg: ACSA issues update on jet fuel supply at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)!

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has issued an update on the jet fuel situation at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg following the fire at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery on 04 January 2025. The fire has disrupted fuel production nationwide, but ACSA confirms that sufficient fuel has been secured to meet the airport’s needs for January 2025. Efforts are ongoing to address potential supply challenges for February 2025.

Currently, OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) has 27.1 million litres of jet fuel in stock. With a daily consumption rate of 3.6 million litres, this supply will last approximately 7.6 days, covering operations until the week ending 02 February 2025.

The total fuel requirement for February 2025 is projected at 97.2 million litres. The NATREF refinery is expected to resume operations on 27 February 2025. In the interim, ACSA, alongside the Fuels Industry Association of Southern Africa (FIASA), NATREF industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders, is working diligently to secure additional fuel supplies.

Measures taken by ACSA and stakeholders:

• Collaboration Across Sectors: Engaging all relevant stakeholders to address the fuel shortage and build reserves.
• Prioritising Fuel Transport: Requesting Transnet to expedite the movement of imported fuel from Durban to Gauteng.
• Optimising King Shaka Reserves: Increasing fuel stock at King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, which has storage capacity exceeding its daily consumption needs.

The distribution of jet fuel is governed by agreements between airlines and their suppliers. To manage the current challenges, airlines and suppliers are exploring alternative strategies, including:

• Tankering: Refuelling at other airports to supplement fuel reserves.
• Fuel Stops: Scheduling additional stops at alternate airports to ensure flight operations continue.

Some airlines have expressed concerns over limited supplier availability, which has led them to implement these measures to maintain operational stability. Airlines are encouraged to adopt prudent strategies to preserve fuel reserves until the situation for February 2025 is clarified.

To ensure smooth travel, ACSA recommends that passengers:

• Allow sufficient time for flight connections, especially at larger airports where customs and immigration processes may take longer.
• Contact their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and fuel considerations.
• Plan their travel with adequate connection times to avoid delays or disruptions.