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Jet Fuel Supply Secured for OR Tambo Amid NATREF Shutdown

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South Africa’s aviation sector has been given a lifeline as the Department of Transport confirmed the acquisition of 121.1 million litres of jet fuel for OR Tambo International Airport. This critical supply will ensure uninterrupted flight operations until the NATREF refinery resumes production at the end of February 2025.

The assurance follows an urgent meeting convened by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy with key stakeholders, including the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Sasol, and the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA). The meeting addressed the fuel shortage crisis that arose after a fire at the NATREF refinery on 4 January 2025, disrupting South Africa’s primary jet fuel supply chain.

Securing the Fuel: A Collaborative Effort

Through collaborative efforts, industry stakeholders secured 121.1 million litres of jet fuel from various suppliers. The supply will be imported via the Port of Durban, with the first shipments expected to arrive on 1 February and 10 February 2025.

Minister Creecy praised the teamwork shown by all parties:

“This collaborative effort reflects our commitment to ensuring that South Africa’s aviation sector continues to operate without disruption.”

To facilitate seamless delivery, a detailed logistics plan is being developed to ensure timely transportation of the imported fuel from Durban to OR Tambo International Airport.

Impact of the NATREF Shutdown

The shutdown of the NATREF refinery, South Africa’s sole crude oil refinery, has had a significant impact on the aviation sector. Airlines were forced to secure fuel at alternative locations, including King Shaka International Airport and Windhoek, leading to operational delays and increased costs.

This crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of the country’s fuel supply chain, underscoring the need for contingency planning and a more diversified supply network.

Long-Term Solutions in Development

To prevent future crises, the Department of Transport has outlined several measures to strengthen the resilience of the jet fuel supply chain:

  1. Strategic Fuel Reserve:
    ACSA, in collaboration with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, is exploring the creation of a fuel reserve to act as a buffer for unforeseen supply chain disruptions.
  2. Diversified Supply Sources:
    Efforts are underway to reduce reliance on a single refinery by increasing imports and establishing partnerships with international fuel suppliers.
  3. Infrastructure Upgrades:
    Enhancing storage and transportation infrastructure to improve the efficiency of fuel distribution from ports to airports.

Stabilising Airline Operations

The assurance of 121.1 million litres of jet fuel will restore confidence in the aviation sector. Airlines are expected to resume normal operations, reducing delays and ensuring a smoother travel experience for passengers.

While the fuel shortage has caused significant inconvenience, Minister Creecy expressed her gratitude to passengers and businesses for their patience during this challenging time.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their understanding as we navigate this crisis together.”

The NATREF refinery is expected to reopen by the end of February 2025, easing pressure on the fuel supply chain. Until then, the Department of Transport and its partners are focused on ensuring the timely delivery of imported fuel to OR Tambo and implementing long-term strategies to build a more secure and sustainable aviation sector.

This crisis serves as a wake-up call for the importance of proactive planning and collaboration in maintaining the resilience of critical infrastructure.

South Africa’s aviation sector is now poised to emerge stronger, with measures like strategic fuel reserves, diversified supply chains, and infrastructure upgrades paving the way for a more stable future.

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