Johannesburg – Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has moved to allay fears of Jet fuel supply disruptions, saying it has instituted active stock management protocols to maintain continuous operational stability across all airport fuel farms.
“South Africa’s aviation network relies heavily on a combination of imported and locally refined fuel, and with comprehensive mitigation plans actively deployed, there is no immediate expectation of flight disruptions,” Acting ACSA CEO Charles Shilowa said on Thursday 27 August 2026.
ACSA said following the unplanned shutdown of a downstream unit at the Natref refinery, it has instituted active stock management protocols to maintain continuous operational stability across all airport fuel farms.
“O. R. Tambo International Airport’s (ORTIA) current stock cover is maintained at five to six days, successfully meeting an average demand of 3,850 m3/day,” ACSA said in a statement made available to The Bulrushes.
“At present, Natref supplies 70% to 80% of ORTIA’s demand, with the remaining supply requirements being met via the Multi-Product Pipeline from the coast as well as dedicated rail deliveries.
“At Cape Town International Airport, current demand sits at approximately 1 400 m3/day, supported by stock levels of around 4.5 days’ cover with daily replenishments in place.”
ACSA said stock levels are expected to build to approximately 5.5 days’ cover following the return to service of a fuel storage tank from normal planned maintenance on 26 August 2026.
“Primary supply remains secured through the Astron refinery, which accounts for 70% to 75% of stock, with the remaining 25% to 30% sourced via marine imports stored at the Burgan terminal,” stated the airports company.
“Across the rest of the network, jet fuel stock reserves remain robust. King Shaka International Airport maintains approximately 12 days’ cover of stock.”
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, King Phalo, George, Bram Fischer, Kimberley, and Upington airports operate on 100% import-backed supply structures with daily replenishments in place.
Acsa said stock levels were maintained at six days’ cover at a minimum.
“To guarantee ongoing fuel security, ACSA enforces rigorous governance controls across all locations,” Shilowa said.
“This includes daily stock monitoring, maintaining a minimum baseline of five days’ stock at fuel farms, and holding aggregated daily stock records.”
ACSA said that if stock cover at any airport drops to three days, it will trigger formal crisis management activities, which include intensifying tracking of replenishments with fuel operators and suppliers, direct engagement with impacted airlines and activating the Fuel Forum it runs.
ACSA said it was working closely with all relevant stakeholders to manage the situation proactively and to ensure minimal impact on airport operations.
Flight schedules across the ACSA network continue to operate as normal.
ACSA said together with the Board and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, they were monitoring the situation daily to keep operational impact to a minimum.
