Emergency measures in place for jet fuel at OR Tambo
Supply curtailed due to railway flood damage
The government says emergency measures have been implemented to ensure a steady supply of jet fuel at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg amid fears a crisis could derail the recovery of the aviation industry.
Supplies of jet fuel to OR Tambo, one of Africa’s busiest airports, have been curtailed in recent weeks due to flood damage to railway lines in KwaZulu-Natal. The fuel shortage has disrupted the schedule of airlines, especially international carriers, forcing them into refuelling detours, potentially increasing costs.
The transport department said at the weekend supplies of jet fuel will come through a special pipeline consignment. A ship carrying a consignment of fuel arrived at the Durban Port on May 5.
SA depends on both local production and imports for jet fuel, the SA Petroleum Industry Association (Sapia) says.
Transnet Freight Rail is pushing to get a portion of its rail system between Durban and Johannesburg operational from mid-June, which will restore at least 50% of the normal rail capacity from the coast.
The Airports Company SA (Acsa), which runs SA’s airports, has said overall stock levels at OR Tambo are stable.
Acsa recently issued a notice to formally notify international and domestic airlines across the globe to refuel from other airports in the country where necessary.
Transport minister Fikile Mbalula said airlines are working with Acsa to ensure no disruptions to their operations “by making technical stops to refuel at other airports” such as King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, which represents all big carriers in SA and the region, said that while the fuel situation at OR Tambo remains critical, there are signs of improvement.