Update on Transnet’s supply of Jet Fuel to O.R. Tambo International Airport
Transnet SOC is increasing the supply of jet fuel through the National Multi-Product Pipeline from Durban to the inland. This is as repairs to the railway line gets underway following damage from the floods in recent weeks.
Currently, TPL is transporting 14 million litres of jet fuel between Natref and OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) per week. To supplement the weekly supply, 20 million litres of imported jet fuel has been injected into the pipeline in Durban, and is expected to reach Natref on 18 May 2022. Natref will store this jet fuel in their tanks and thereafter supplement the average weekly supply with an additional five (5)million litres per week for the next four (4)weeks via the dedicated jet fuel pipeline to ORTIA. Transnet Pipelines (TPL) is also reviewing medium and long term solutions to ensure the security of supply via the pipeline from Durban to ORTIA.
The single rail line operation between Durban and Gauteng is expected to be restored by 9 June 2022, with the double line operation to be fully restored by 30 September 2022. Transnet engineers have assessed which sections of the double rail line can be restored in the shortest possible time in order to ramp up operations as soon as reasonably possible.
Whilst the rail infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal is being repaired, TFR has activated rail services with the loading of jet fuel at Matola, Mozambique and supplying approximately 1 million litres to ORTIA. The current jet fuel volume is 17.8 million litres, with the expected consumption of 2.6 million litres per day. Jet fuel stockpiles at ORTIA are currently at 5.1 days (which is within the target of five (5) to seven (7) days). Weekly ORTIA jet fuel management meetings are being held with all the stakeholders including Transnet, to ensure that the security of supply risk is mitigated.
