Johannesburg, Friday, 28 November 2025 – The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa advises that East London’s King Phalo Airport is currently operating with only one day of Jet A-1 fuel remaining, posing a critical risk to flight operations.

This situation has arisen due to regulatory challenges, specifically the South African Revenue Service (SARS) review of the licensing status of Jet Fuel storage facilities in Durban and East London, which supply King Phalo Airport. In addition, delays in the finalisation of customs and excise licences for both facilities have created significant bottlenecks, halting and disrupting the supply of aviation fuel to affected airports.

The Association urgently calls on SARS to finalise the outstanding licences without delay to enable the immediate resumption of jet fuel loading and imports. Without swift regulatory action, airlines operating at East London Airport will face significant operational disruptions.

“The aviation fuel supply chain relies on predictable and timely regulatory processes. Any delays place pressure not only on airports and airlines, but on the broader economy,” says Avhapfani Tshifularo, Chief Executive of the Association “We urge SARS to expedite the necessary approvals so that normal jet fuel supply operations can resume immediately.”

The Association is actively engaging with suppliers and the aviation stakeholders to restore fuel supply within the next 72 hours, subject to regulatory clearance by SARS.

The Association will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.

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
Email: communication@fuelsindustry.org.za