Johannesburg, Saturday, 15 November 2025 – The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (the Association) has called on the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to urgently resolve an ongoing audit process that has restricted the distribution of aviation fuel in Cape Town, warning that the situation poses a serious and immediate risk to fuel security at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA).
Due to the continued detention of Jet A-1 fuel stocks under SARS verification, suppliers have been unable to uplift product from Burgan Cape Terminals in the Port of Cape Town. This has reduced available supply to CTIA and placed pressure on contingency arrangements.
“The Association fully supports SARS’s mandate to uphold compliance,” says Avhapfani Tshifularo, Chief Executive of the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa. “However, the extended duration of this process has now created a real risk of fuel shortages that could disrupt flights, impact tourism, and undermine the Western Cape economy during the peak travel season.”
The affected fuel import facility holds approximately 20 days of Jet A-1 stock, a critical buffer for national fuel security and air transport reliability. Although domestic production has been increased and alternative import plans are being explored, these measures cannot fully compensate for the current constraint.
“The aviation sector depends on predictable and continuous fuel supply. We therefore urge SARS and all relevant stakeholders to expedite the necessary verifications and authorise the release of detained Jet A-1 fuel without further delay,” Tshifularo adds.
The Association notes that even a short-term disruption at CTIA could have far-reaching consequences, affecting airlines, airport operations, tourism. “This is a solvable problem,” says Tshifularo. “We call for urgent cooperation between SARS, industry, and government to restore stability, safeguard South Africa’s international connectivity, and protect jobs and growth in the Western Cape.”
ENDS
About the Association:
The Association represents the collective interests of the South African fuels industry and plays a strategic role in addressing a range of common issues relating to the refining, distribution, and marketing of liquid fuels and transportation energy products, as well as promoting the industry’s environmental and socio-economic progress. The Association fulfils this role by contributing to the development of fuels industry regulation; proactively engaging with key stakeholders; sharing research information; providing expert advice; and communicating the industry’s views.
Kindly note that the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa does not have an acronym. First mention is ‘the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa’, second mention is ‘the Fuels Industry Association’ or ‘the Association’.
For more information, please contact:
Phila Mzamo
Head: Communication
Mobile: 066 423 2319
