OR Tambo International Airport
By Lerato Mpembe
JOHANNESBURG – The Department of Transport has confirmed that 121.1 million litres of jet fuel have been secured for OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), ensuring uninterrupted flight operations until the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery reopens at the end of February 2025. This comes after an urgent meeting led by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy with key stakeholders to address the looming jet fuel shortages.
The fuel shortage crisis emerged following a fire at the NATREF refinery on 4 January 2025, which disrupted the country’s primary fuel supply chain. Airlines were forced to make alternative arrangements, securing fuel at other locations, including King Shaka International Airport and Windhoek, causing significant delays and inconveniences to passengers and crew.
Fuel Secured Through Collaboration
The meeting convened by Minister Creecy last Friday included representatives from the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA), and Sasol. The collaborative efforts of these stakeholders led to the acquisition of 121.1 million litres of jet fuel, alleviating concerns of a potential disruption in flight operations at South Africa’s busiest airport.
On Monday last week, industry players informed ACSA that 50 million litres of jet fuel had been secured from various suppliers. By Friday, an additional 71.1 million litres had been procured, bringing the total to 121.1 million litres. This fuel will be imported via the Port of Durban and transported to OR Tambo International Airport, with shipments expected to arrive on 1 February and 10 February 2025.
Logistics Plan to Ensure Timely Delivery
To facilitate the seamless movement of jet fuel from Durban to OR Tambo, all parties involved have agreed to work on a detailed logistics plan. An update on the plan will be presented to Minister Creecy on Friday, 31 January 2025.
The Department of Transport noted in a statement: “The meeting agreed that all parties will work on a logistics plan to ensure the imported fuel supply moves from the Port of Durban to OR Tambo in time for airline needs.”
The department also stressed the importance of building a fuel reserve to serve as a buffer for unforeseen circumstances, such as delays or sudden changes in flight conditions. ACSA has been tasked with engaging the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and its entities to establish such a reserve.
NATREF Shutdown: Impact and Response
The shutdown of the NATREF refinery, South Africa’s sole crude oil refinery, following a fire earlier this month, severely impacted the availability of jet fuel. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the country’s fuel supply chain, which relies heavily on the refinery for its operational needs.
As a result of the shutdown, some airlines were forced to divert or refuel at other locations, causing logistical challenges and increasing operational costs. The shortage also underscored the need for contingency planning to avoid similar disruptions in the future.
Minister Creecy acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers and businesses during this period, expressing her appreciation for their patience. “We thank passengers, businesses, and stakeholders for their patience during this unforeseen difficulty and apologise for the inconvenience caused,” she said.
Building a Resilient Jet Fuel Supply Chain
The Department of Transport’s swift response to the crisis demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the reliability of South Africa’s aviation sector. Key measures being discussed include:
1. Fuel Reserve Development
ACSA, in collaboration with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, is exploring the creation of a strategic fuel reserve. This reserve would act as a critical safety buffer to address future supply chain disruptions.
2. Diversified Supply Chains
Stakeholders are considering diversifying fuel supply sources to reduce reliance on a single refinery. This would involve increasing imports and strengthening partnerships with international fuel suppliers.
3. Improved Infrastructure
Upgrades to storage and transportation infrastructure are being considered to enhance the efficiency and reliability of fuel distribution from ports to airports.
Impact on Airlines and Passengers
The fuel shortage has had far-reaching implications for airlines and passengers. Airlines faced higher operational costs due to the need to secure fuel from alternative locations. Passengers experienced delays and disruptions, with some flights being rescheduled or rerouted.
The assurance of 121.1 million litres of jet fuel for OR Tambo is expected to stabilise operations and restore confidence in the aviation sector. Airlines will be able to resume normal operations, reducing delays and ensuring a smoother travel experience for passengers.
The Path Ahead
The NATREF refinery is expected to resume operations by the end of February 2025, which will further ease the pressure on the jet fuel supply chain. In the meantime, the Department of Transport and its partners remain focused on ensuring the timely delivery of imported fuel to OR Tambo and implementing long-term solutions to enhance the resilience of the fuel supply network.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive planning and collaboration among stakeholders in addressing challenges within the aviation industry. With measures such as the proposed fuel reserve and diversified supply chains, South Africa is taking steps toward a more secure and sustainable future for its aviation sector.
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