ACSA Ensures Continuity Of Jet Fuel Supply At OR Tambo International Airport

The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that it has enough reserves to ensure a steady supply of jet fuel at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). ACSA stated that it has fuel reserves to last up to eight days, covering the period until Jan. 20.

This comes after the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) informed ACSA that the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) is taking steps to avoid any disruption to the jet fuel supply due to a fire at their refinery on Jan. 4, SA News reported.

ACSA is working with FIASA and NATREF to implement risk management plans and ensure the airport in Gauteng continues to operate smoothly. The fuel industry has been informed that the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), which was damaged in the fire, is expected to be up and running again by Feb. 21, this year.

As part of the mitigation efforts, fuel deliveries are being scheduled. A jet fuel delivery of 17,000m³ is expected to arrive at ORTIA by Sunday (Jan. 12). Furthermore, a pipeline delivery of 31,000m³ from Durban is scheduled for Tuesday (Jan. 14) with an expected delivery to ORTIA by Jan. 27.

Other measures being implemented include:

• Increased Rail Deliveries: Rail deliveries from Durban and Matola (Mozambique) are being prioritized, with extra capacity available to support the increased jet fuel demand.
• Alternative Fuel Sourcing: Fuel is also being sourced from other airports and injected directly into NATREF.

Immediate actions and risk management are needed to handle the expected jet fuel shortage at ORTIA between Jan. 20 and Jan. 27. The Fuel Industry Association of Southern Africa and NATREF are working with industry partners, including ACSA, to find solutions by Jan. 14, focusing on ensuring the continuous supply of jet fuel at ORTIA.

ACSA reassured airlines, passengers, and stakeholders that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure normal airport operations and a steady fuel supply. ACSA remains committed to transparent communication and will continue to monitor the situation closely, with an update planned for Jan. 14.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 172 of 2024, allowing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to look into maladministration issues in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape.