News Desk Reporter
Air travellers are unlikely to see immediate disruption despite concerns over South Africa’s jet fuel supply following the shutdown of the Natref refinery.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said today that fuel levels at major airports remain adequate, while the industry works on measures to protect supplies in the weeks ahead.
The refinery shutdown is expected to place the greatest pressure on OR Tambo International Airport, where Natref normally provides between 70% and 80% of jet fuel requirements.
OR Tambo currently has between five and six days of fuel stock, based on average daily use of about 3 850 cubic metres.
ACSA said the airport can also receive fuel from the coast through the Multi-Product Pipeline, with additional deliveries available by rail.
Cape Town International Airport is also being closely monitored.
Astron supplies between 70% and 75% of its jet fuel, while marine imports provide the remainder. The airport has about 4.5 days of fuel cover and receives daily replenishments.
ACSA expects Cape Town’s reserve to rise to about 5.5 days after a storage tank returns from planned maintenance on 26 August.
Several other airports have more substantial reserves.
King Shaka International Airport has about 12 days of stock, while Chief Dawid Stuurman International, King Phalo, George, Bram Fischer, Kimberley and Upington have at least six days.
ACSA said it is checking fuel levels daily and aims to maintain at least five days of stock at its fuel farms.
The supply concerns follow an unplanned Natref shutdown on 25 August after a steam boiler failure damaged key refinery units.
The resulting repairs are expected to affect production, with jet fuel availability likely to come under pressure from around 6 September until 4 October.
The timing remains dependent on the repair and recommissioning process.
The aviation industry is preparing to increase coastal fuel imports, particularly through Durban, to help maintain supplies to OR Tambo.
Other measures include making better use of Transnet’s logistics capacity and coordinating more closely with fuel suppliers and airlines.
ACSA will introduce formal crisis measures if an airport is expected to have only three days of fuel remaining.
This would include closer monitoring of deliveries, direct engagement with affected airlines and activation of its Fuel Forum.
Sasol and the Fuel Industry of South Africa are expected to submit a mitigation proposal to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Monday, 31 August.
ACSA said it is working with industry stakeholders to keep supplies flowing and limit any impact on airport operations.