South Africa Faces Renewed Jet Fuel Crisis Without Immediate Regulatory Reform

Maintenance at Natref and Bureaucracy Threaten Airport Fuel Supply

South Africa may experience jet fuel shortages later this year due to refinery maintenance and outdated regulatory restrictions on imports. The Natref refinery will undergo maintenance between August and September, heightening the risk of fuel disruptions at major airports.

Current fuel import rules prohibit direct terminal access, slowing supply chain efficiency and causing vulnerability during refinery shutdowns. Avhapfani Tshifularo, CEO of Fiasa, confirmed these issues are not about fuel availability but outdated rules that hinder timely access.

Airlines Warn of Rising Costs Without Guaranteed Fuel Access

Airlines rely on predictable access to jet fuel because tickets are sold well in advance based on fuel availability upon arrival. If fuel isn’t guaranteed, international carriers must tanker fuel or refuel elsewhere, adding unplanned operational costs and logistical complexity.

Barsa CEO George Mothema said “Carriers may face higher fees, route changes, or delays, straining budgets and reducing route flexibility.” Without stable access, airlines face serious scheduling and financial risks that could disrupt long-term operations and passenger confidence.

Urgent Interim Solutions Needed While Legal Reform Stalls

The outdated 1964 Customs and Excise Act bans direct jet fuel imports to terminals, requiring routing through limited refinery warehouses. Only two refineries remain active in South Africa, Astron and Natref making the system fragile during scheduled maintenance or shutdowns.

Temporary exemptions were granted after a fire halted Natref’s operations, but those are set to expire in October 2025. Tshifularo urged government to allow fuel imports via terminals until long-term legislation catches up with South Africa’s evolving fuel needs.