South Africa may face another jet fuel supply issue later this year due to a combination of regulatory red tape and scheduled maintenance at the Natref refinery. This is according to Fuels Industry Association of South Africa Fiasa CEO, Avhapfani Tshifularo .
He said maintenance at Natref between August and September, combined with outdated fuel import regulations could increase the risk of shortages at major airports, including OR Tambo international JNB.
Airlines on the lineAlthough this is not a problem with security of jet fuel supply, but rather a challenge with regulatory compliance, this is a critical issue for Board of Airline Representatives of SA Barsa members, explains Barsa CEO, George Mothema .
Airlines are dependent on the inventory that they sell in advance. From a market point of view, international airlines flying into South Africa operate on the back of their ability to be serviced when they arrive in the country. If they are not guaranteed fuel upon arrival, they have to make additional plans for tankering, increasing their operational costs.
Mothema explained that airlines would potentially have to fly with extra fuel, or land at alternative airports to refuel, both of which would incur additional costs and charges.