No shortage of jet fuel: ACSA
Concerns over a shortage of jet fuel stock at OR Tambo International Airport are unfounded, says Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
United Airlines had to cancel two flights to South Africa earlier this week due to a reported fuel shortage at the airport.
But ACSA has now moved to assure airlines that the supply of jet fuel at OR Tambo is stable sufficient to meet the demand.
"This in spite of disruptions to the transportation of the jet fuel-value chain as a result of many factors initially starting with the railway infrastructure damage caused by recent floods in KZN, resulting in force majeure being declared by certain companies," says ACSA’s Terence Delomoney.
"It is estimated that Transnet Freight Rail will only be able to repair the damaged rail infrastructure by the 9th June, and this has necessitated ACSA, Transnet Freight Rail and oil companies to develop an interim plan to have sufficient jet fuel at ORT.”
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He says ACSA has requested airlines, where possible, to refuel from other ACSA airports because supply is not hampered.
"O.R. Tambo International Airports is currently operating on three to four days’ worth of stock which will be sustained over the next six weeks.
"We have confirmation by National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa of an additional supply of 14 million litres of jet fuel.
"Additionally, we are expecting a shipment of 10 million litres on 5th May which will assist in stabilizing ACSA’s fuel levels to approximately three to four days’ worth of stock."
