Friday, February 14, 2025

January 20, 2025

OR Tambo Might Run Out Of Jet Fuel In Seven Days

With only a week's reserve left, ACSA is scrambling to come up with the projected 97.2 million litres needed to keep the 'gateway to the African continent' from becoming a parking lot.

[Image: Needpix]

The fuel gauge is flashing red at OR Tambo according to sources, with the international airport said to only have seven days worth of jet fuel left.

The warning comes from Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) following a fire at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery on 4 January 2025.

The fire has severely affected our national supply of fuel and left suppliers nervous heading into February. According to BusinessTech, OR Tambo International Airport is believed to only have 27.1 million litres of jet fuel left.

“With a daily consumption rate of 3.6 million litres, the current stock is sufficient only until the week ending 2 February 2025.”

ACSA has however said that it’s working on a plan alongside the Fuels Industry Association of Southern Africa (FIASA), NATREF, and various government agencies, to try and come up with the projected 97.2 million litres needed to keep the airport from becoming a parking lot instead of the supposed ‘gateway to the African continent’.

In response to the crisis, ACSA has implemented key measures, including engaging stakeholders to address the shortage and build fuel reserves, coordinating with Transnet to prioritise the movement of imported fuel from Durban to Gauteng, and leveraging King Shaka International Airport’s surplus storage capacity.

If OR Tambo are unable to top up their tanks, some airlines may have to make additional fuel stops at alternative airports along the way, which is going to wreak havoc on travel times and onboard toilets.

Passengers are advised to stay informed about potential delays and disruptions by maintaining regular contact with their airlines.

ACSA emphasises that “all necessary steps are being taken to maintain smooth airport operations” and will likely get this mess sorted out before February.

[Source: BusinessTech]