The jet fuel supply to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) has been restored following the resumption of operations at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) refinery, confirmed Sasol and the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA).

Sasol, the main shareholder of Natref, said that repairs had been completed and the refinery was back online. The refinery had been temporarily shut down after a fire on January 4 damaged its Crude Distillation Unit.

“No issues have been reported by the Natref partners,” said SAPIA representative, Siganeko Magafela. “The fuel supply to OR Tambo has been fully restored and the NOTAM has been lifted, so the airport is back to normal operations.”

During a meeting on February 26 between the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) regarding the fuel supply issue, committee Chairperson, Donald Selamolela, confirmed that Acsa’s briefing had addressed all concerns.

“They (Acsa) are already rolling out infrastructure to resolve challenges around fuel availability, especially related to the broken fuel jet valve and shortage resulting from the Natref fire. The committee noted and appreciated plans for refurbishment of the fuel farm at OR Tambo International Airport which will go a long way in resolving issues of security of fuel supply in the medium term,” said Selamolela.