Fuel suppliers are expected to increase supplies by early next week, the Airports Company of South Africa said on Friday.
Spokesperson Solomon Makgale said, however, that suppliers had cautioned there were no guarantees and that airlines should voluntarily cut back on fuel by at least 15%.
”No absolute guarantees can be given until there is confirmation from the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) on the completion of the maintenance work being undertaken,” Makgale said.
”They have also been asked to refuel out of Johannesburg and Cape Town. Hopefully by next week, the supply should be at acceptable levels.”
There was a shortage in jet fuel supply from the Sasol refinery in Sasolburg.
Meanwhile, the SA Petroleum Industry Association (Sapia) said the industry and the Department of Minerals and Energy were working together to minimise the impact.
Sapia’s Colin McClelland said supplies in the rest of the country were satisfactory, with the exception of Port , Elizabeth where the supply would be resolved by Sunday.
Fuel shortages were expected at some filling stations in the inland area over the next few weeks until they catch up on the delivery of backlog orders.
Production at the Sasol Secunda operations was normal and fuel stocks were expected to supply Natref, where the problem continues to persist. – Sapa