Despite securing millions of litres of jet fuel for OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has warned that logistical hurdles and stock shortages could still disrupt fuel supply for airlines in the short term.
Ongoing Fuel Supply Challenges
The primary challenge stems from a fire at the Natref refinery on January 4, which supplies 72% of OR Tambo’s jet fuel stock. This incident forced a shutdown, placing additional pressure on alternative supply channels.
“As of January 28, JNB had 29.7 million litres of fuel, another 11.7 days of stock,” said Terence Delomoney, Group Executive for Operations at Acsa, during a press conference last week. Acsa stated that this supply should last until an additional 121 million litres of jet fuel arrives in Johannesburg.
Although the imported fuel has reached South Africa, transporting it from the Port of Durban to Johannesburg presents another challenge. Delomoney explained that once fuel is pumped from the coast, it takes seven to ten days to reach Johannesburg via Transnet’s pipeline.
“The pipeline carries not only jet fuel but also diesel, petrol, and other chemicals, so scheduling is crucial. If it’s not done correctly, we won’t get the fuel in on time,” Delomoney noted.
Adding to the uncertainty, Natref has yet to confirm its restart timeline. Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (Aasa), expressed concern over the lack of progress updates, stating that while assurances had been given for a February completion, no reports had been provided.
Fuel Uplift Restrictions and Airline Concerns
Aasa remains cautiously optimistic, as Acsa has assured sufficient fuel stock until February 2. However, Munetsi emphasised that Acsa does not procure or own fuel, which means supply risks persist.
Aasa also highlighted long-term concerns about jet fuel supply at JNB, pointing out that post-COVID-19, fuel suppliers have taken a more conservative approach to inventory management. This has resulted in a reduction of average fuel reserves from 11 days to around four days.
Meanwhile, a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) restricting fuel uplift at OR Tambo remains in place until February 25, unless withdrawn earlier. “This suggests that neither the fuel suppliers nor Acsa can yet guarantee the necessary volumes, and until the shipments arrive at OR Tambo’s fuel storage depot, potential disruptions remain a concern,” Munetsi warned.
Government and Industry Response
Acsa acknowledged that several airlines were still trying to secure fuel and called on the Fuels Industry Association, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and oil companies to collaborate and ensure that airlines do not run out of fuel.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed that industry stakeholders, including SASOL and the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, have developed a logistical plan to stabilise the fuel supply at OR Tambo.
Three vessels carrying a total of 71.5 million litres of jet fuel are expected to arrive in Durban on February 5 and February 10. This fuel will then be transported via pipeline to OR Tambo. In total, 150.6 million litres of jet fuel will be available for February.
“This means there is no longer any shortage of jet fuel for refuelling airlines at OR Tambo International Airport,” Creecy assured.
Furthermore, the fuel industry has agreed to establish a mechanism that allows airlines to access fuel from non-contracted suppliers if their contracted supplier runs short. Creecy commended the collaborative efforts of industry stakeholders in addressing the crisis.
While these measures aim to stabilise the fuel supply, airlines and industry leaders remain cautious, closely monitoring the situation to ensure sustained availability in the coming weeks.
