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OR Tambo International Airport Addresses Fuel Shortage Crisis Amid Refinery Fire
OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), Africa’s busiest air travel hub, is grappling with a jet fuel shortage following a fire at the Natref refinery on 4 January 2025. The incident damaged the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), prompting the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) to take swift action.
What Happened?
The fire at Natref, one of South Africa’s primary fuel suppliers, disrupted jet fuel production. This raised concerns about maintaining steady supplies to ORTIA, which serves as a critical gateway for domestic and international flights.
ACSA’s Proactive Response
ACSA, in collaboration with the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA), has implemented several measures to address the fuel shortage and ensure uninterrupted airport operations:
- Fuel Deliveries
- A shipment of 17,000 cubic meters of jet fuel was delivered to ORTIA on 12 January 2025.
- An additional 31,000 cubic meters will be transported via pipeline from Durban, expected to arrive by 27 January 2025.
- Rail Transport and Alternative Sourcing
- Rail deliveries from Durban and Matola in Mozambique have been prioritised.
- Fuel from alternative airports and direct injections to Natref are being leveraged to bridge the supply gap.
- Collaboration and Transparency
- ACSA is working closely with industry stakeholders, including Natref and FIASA, to finalise risk mitigation strategies by 14 January 2025.
- Regular updates are being provided to passengers, airlines, and other stakeholders to ensure clear communication.
Operational Stability at OR Tambo
Despite the challenges, ACSA has assured that current reserves will maintain jet fuel availability until 20 January 2025. Efforts are underway to avoid any supply disruptions in the gap before the next delivery.
This coordinated approach underscores ACSA’s commitment to operational stability, ensuring OR Tambo International Airport remains fully functional during this period.
The damaged CDU at Natref is expected to be operational by 21 February 2025, marking a return to normal fuel supply operations. In the meantime, ACSA’s collaborative measures and alternative sourcing strategies will be pivotal in maintaining airport operations.
Key Updates to Watch For:
- Finalised solutions to address the fuel gap, expected on 14 January.
- The arrival of additional fuel supplies by 27 January.
Reassurance to Passengers and Airlines
ACSA’s proactive measures demonstrate its dedication to ensuring uninterrupted travel at OR Tambo International Airport. Passengers can continue to travel with confidence, knowing that every effort is being made to mitigate the impact of this unforeseen challenge.
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