Authorities are trying to avoid a fuel shortage from affecting flights at Cape Town International, which is expected to start taking affect later this week. However, it seems that it has already caused some delays.

South African comedian, Trevor Noah, spoke out on Twitter to say his flight from Cape Town was delayed because of BP refusing to refuel BA aircraft.

However, the problem seems to be caused by a scheduling error by Chevron, which runs the refinery. Earlier today Acsa spokesperson, Deidre Davids, said the minimum fuel stock level at the airport had yet to be reached but that Acsa was working with airline associations to make sure the refinery had plans to meet the fuel requirements of their clients.

Davids said: “If the stock levels fall below the required quantity, plans will need to be put in place to mitigate the impact on airport operations. This will include airlines tankering fuel from other airports.”

However, Noah’s tweet, posted just after 14h00 today, reads: “Fuel company in Cape Town airport refusing to refuel our British Airways plane. So now we can't fly. They are only doing SAA.”

Acsa, Comair and the airline associations could not be reached for comment.