The Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) has informed the Airports Company of South Africa that National Refineries of South Africa (NATREF) is implementing risk mitigation measures to prevent a fuel supply disruption to the OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) refinery on January 4 after the fire at the factory.
The crude distillation unit damaged by the fire is expected to be back online by February 21, the fuel industry has been told.
Acsa said it has reserves to ensure continued availability of jet fuel at JNB until January 20.
Meanwhile, fuel suppliers have announced that they are seeking to implement the following mitigation measures:
- Scheduled deliveries of fuel. 17,000 cubic meters of aviation fuel was scheduled to be delivered to JNB by Sunday, January 12.
- Pipeline injection. A planned injection of 31,000 cubic meters from Durban is scheduled for January 14 and will be delivered to JNB by January 27.
- Increase in rail shipments. Rail shipments from Durban and Matola, Mozambique are gaining priority with additional capacity to support increased jet fuel volumes.
- Alternative sources of fuel. Fuel receipt from other airports and direct injections to NATREF.
Immediate intervention and risk mitigation measures are needed to address the expected shortage of jet fuel at JNB between January 20 and the expected supply date of January 27.
FIASA and NATREF are working with industry partners, including Acsa, to develop solutions by today, January 14. The primary objective was to ensure continued availability of jet fuel at JNB, Acsa said in a press release.
The airports company added that airlines, passengers and all stakeholders have been assured that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain the airport’s normal operations and ensure safe and uninterrupted fuel supply.