What caused the jet-fuel supply disruption affecting South African airlines?

The jet-fuel supply disruption was caused by planned maintenance at the Natref refinery in Sasolburg—South Africa’s only inland crude-oil refinery—which was compounded by an additional technical problem, according to FlySafair's understanding of the situation.

How are South African airlines responding to the potential jet-fuel shortage?

FlySafair has arranged to temporarily increase fuel supplies from alternative providers and implemented a 'moderate tankering adjustment', where aircraft carry extra fuel to reduce reliance on destination fuel supplies, enabling it to maintain fuel security for its operations, as stated by Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon.

South African Airlines Scramble as Jet-Fuel Supply Disrupted

Aug 26, 2026

South African airlines face potential jet-fuel shortages following technical issues at Sasol's Natref refinery. Carriers are implementing contingency plans including tankering adjustments and alternative sourcing to maintain fuel security.

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