ACSA responds to fuel shortage at OR Tambo airport

Airports Company of South Africa has indicated that it has the reserves to ensure the continuity of fuel availability at OR Tambo airport.

Airports Company of South Africa has indicated that it has the reserves to ensure the continuity of fuel availability at OR Tambo airport. Image: ERIC CABANIS / AFP

Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has indicated that it has the reserves to ensure the continuity of jet fuel availability at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).

Fire at refinery

“ACSA is happy to indicate that it has reserves to ensure the continuity of jet fuel availability at ORTIA for up to eight days up to 20 January 2025,” it said in a statement on Sunday.

This after the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) informed ACSA that the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) is implementing risk mitigation measures to prevent the disruption of the supply of jet fuel to ORTIA following a fire that occurred at their refinery on 4 January 2025.

The airports company said it was collaborating with FIASA and the NATREF on risk mitigation measures to ensure continued operations at the airport located in Gauteng.

The fuel industry has been told that the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) damaged by the fire is expected to be back online by 21 February 2025.

Mitigation measures that are being implemented include scheduled fuel deliveries.

“A jet fuel delivery of 17 000m³ is expected to arrive by Sunday, 12 January 2025 at ORTIA,” said ACSA adding that a planned pipeline injection of 31 000m³ from Durban is set for 14 January 2025, with delivery to ORTIA expected by 27 January 2025.

Other measures include:

• Increased Rail Deliveries: Rail deliveries from Durban and Matola (Mozambique) are being prioritised, with additional capacity available to support increased jet fuel volumes
• Alternative Fuel Sourcing: Sourcing fuel from other airports and direct injections to NATREF

“Immediate intervention and risk mitigation measures are required to address the anticipated jet fuel shortage at ORTIA between 20 January and the expected delivery date of 27 January 2025.

“The Fuel Industry Association of Southern Africa and NATREF are collaborating with industry partners, including ACSA, to develop solutions by Tuesday, 14 January 2025. The primary focus is to ensure the continuous availability of jet fuel at ORTIA.”

The airports company assured airlines, passengers, and all stakeholders that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain normal airport operations and guarantee a secure and uninterrupted fuel supply.

“ACSA is committed to transparent communication and will continue to closely monitor the situation. An update will be provided on Tuesday, 14 January 2025,” it said.