Johannesburg – Airlines are scrambling to secure alternative jet-fuel supplies at OR Tambo International Airport after an unplanned shutdown at Sasol’s Natref refinery disrupted deliveries to South Africa’s busiest aviation hub.
The disruption has prompted airlines to consider contingency measures, including carrying additional fuel on aircraft to reduce their dependence on supplies at Johannesburg.
According to News24, the disruption follows an unplanned shutdown of a downstream unit at Natref, Sasol’s refinery near Sasolburg.
Sasol confirmed that the outage had affected its ability to meet its full supply commitments for some fuel grades, including jet fuel supplied to customers at OR Tambo.
“Sasol Oil will, however, continue to partially supply its jet fuel customers at ORTIA,” the company said, adding that it was implementing measures to minimise the impact while Natref works to restore normal operations.
Airlines turn to contingency measures
The disruption has already triggered contingency planning among airlines.
BusinessTech, citing Bloomberg, reported that FlySafair had arranged to temporarily increase supplies from alternative providers to manage any shortfall.
FlySafair chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon said the airline was also considering carrying additional fuel.
Together with “a moderate tankering adjustment”, Gordon said the measures should allow the airline to maintain fuel security.
Tankering involves loading an aircraft with more fuel than it would normally require for a particular journey, reducing the amount it needs to take on at its destination.
The airline said the refinery disruption followed planned maintenance that was compounded by a technical problem.
Another blow to a vulnerable supply chain
The latest disruption comes after South Africa experienced significant jet-fuel shortages in 2025 following a fire at Natref, forcing authorities and industry to arrange additional supplies for OR Tambo.
In February 2025, the government said more than 121 million litres of jet fuel had been secured for the airport after the Natref incident.
The current disruption again puts the country’s reliance on Natref under the spotlight.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
