Acsa downplays fuel fears

Johannesburg – With less than 16 days before the World Cup kick off, the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) on Tuesday downplayed fears over a possible fuel shortage at the country's major airports, saying the Transnet strike had not affected their fuel supply.

Dispelling fears over the shortage fuel fanned by the ongoing industrial action, the airport operator said it had nine days worth of fuel in stock at the OR Tambo International Airport.

This strike, which started on May 10, has disrupted Transnet's operations including rail and port.

It said 75% of jet fuel at OR Tambo came from the refinery in Sasolburg (NATREF), while 25% comes through rail tankers.

"As and when it is necessary jet fuel is injected through the multi-product pipeline from Durban," Acsa said.

The company also said the tanks were full at Cape Town International Airport, meaning the airport had 7,5 days worth of fuel in stock.

"The fuel is supplied via trucks from the Chevron refinery to the airport's fuel farm on a daily basis."

At King Shaka International Airport, fuel was supplied via trucks from the refinery in Prospecton (SAPREF), Acsa said, adding that the airport had eight days of stock.

"Acsa is monitoring the situation and is in contact with all industry players to ensure that we minimise the impact of the strike on fuel supply to our airports," it said.

- I-Net Bridge