The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) has informed Airports Company South Africa that the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) is implementing risk mitigation measures to prevent the disruption of the supply of jet fuel to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) following the fire that occurred at its refinery on January 4.

The fuel industry has been told that the Crude Distillation Unit damaged by the fire is expected to return online by February 21.

Acsa has indicated that it has reserves to ensure the continuity of jet fuel availability at JNB up to January 20.

At the same time, the fuel suppliers have said they are seeking to implement the following mitigation measures:

• Scheduled fuel deliveries: A jet fuel delivery of 17 000 cubic metres was expected to arrive at JNB by Sunday, January 12.
• Pipeline injection: A planned injection of 31 000 cubic metres from Durban is set for January 14, with delivery to JNB expected by January 27.
• Increased rail deliveries: Rail deliveries from Durban and Matola (Mozambique) are being prioritised, with additional capacity available to support increased jet fuel volumes.
• Alternative fuel sourcing: Sourcing fuel from other airports and direct injections to NATREF.

Immediate intervention and risk mitigation measures are required to address the anticipated jet fuel shortage at JNB between January 20 and the expected delivery date of January 27.

FIASA and NATREF are collaborating with industry partners, including Acsa, to develop solutions by today, January 14. The primary focus was to ensure jet fuel's continuous availability at JNB, Acsa said in a press release.

The airports company added that airlines, passengers and all stakeholders were assured that all necessary steps were being taken to maintain normal airport operations and guarantee a secure and uninterrupted fuel supply.