South Africa Risks Jet Fuel Shortage Without Urgent Action

South Africa is facing a critical jet fuel supply threat that could ground flights and disrupt regional trade by October 2025, unless urgent regulatory reforms are enacted. This stark warning comes from Avhapfani Tshifularo, CEO of the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa, speaking at a recent industry forum in Johannesburg.

By Jarryd Sinovich

The risk stems from the impending shutdown of the Natref refinery, the country’s last operational oil refinery, and the continued reliance on the outdated 1964 Customs and Excise Act—a law ill-equipped to handle modern fuel logistics now dominated by imports.

“If these regulatory issues aren’t resolved by October, we will be in serious trouble,” Tshifularo cautioned.

While government has acknowledged the legislative shortcomings, reforms remain slow-moving. Tshifularo stressed that the timeline for formal amendments is too long to avert near-term disruption, especially at OR Tambo International Airport, Africa’s busiest aviation hub.

Without flexible interim measures, South Africa could face a repeat of past fuel crises—jeopardizing aviation, cargo logistics, and economic stability across the region.

The Fuel Industry Association is calling for temporary regulatory relief and administrative fixes to enable fuel movement through depots and terminals while legal reforms are underway.

“Failure to act could undermine not only OR Tambo’s operations, but also fuel security across the country and region,” he warned.