Cape Town – The Department of Transport has confirmed the successful securing of 121.1 million litres of jet fuel for OR Tambo International Airport, addressing critical shortages caused by the temporary closure of the Natref refinery after a fire on January 4, 2025.
The announcement came after Transport Minister Barbara Creecy held an urgent meeting last Friday with key stakeholders in the fuel industry, including Acsa, Fiasa, and Sasol, to address the jet fuel shortage.
“The meeting agreed that all parties will work on a logistics plan to ensure the imported fuel supply moves from the Port of Durban to OR Tambo in time for airline needs,” the Department of Transport said in a statement.
Media Statement
26 January 2025O.R. Tambo International Airport fuel headache resolved with 121.1 Million litres of jet fuel secured.
PRETORIA: The National Department of Transport is today pleased to announce that the fuels industry and its stakeholders have in total secured…
— Airports Company SA (@Airports_ZA) January 26, 2025
The minister is set to receive an update on the logistics plans on Friday, 31 January 2025.
“Parties agreed it is necessary to build a fuel reserve to serve as a critical safety buffer for unforeseen circumstances such as delays, diversions or unexpected changes in flight conditions,” the department said.
Airlines had faced disruptions, with some sourcing fuel from alternative locations.
Plans are underway to ensure smooth transportation of the imported fuel and to establish a fuel reserve for future emergencies.
Creecy thanked passengers and stakeholders for their patience and apologised for the inconvenience.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
