The fuel pipeline to the OR Tambo International Airport has been contaminated and cannot currently be used to fuel airlines, the Airports Company SA (Acsa), said on Thursday.

ACSA spokesperson, Solomon Makgale gave details on the severity of the fuel problem.

“The impact of the contamination on the fuel pipeline is such that approximately seven million litres of fuel, which is currently in storage, is unusable, reducing OR Tambo International Airport’s stock levels from four days to 1.6 days,” Makgale said in a statement.

Makgale said that ACSA has been informed by the Fuel Consortium that the pipeline from the National Petroleum Refiners of SA (Natref) in Sasolburg to the airport has been contaminated with “off-specification Jet A-1”.

One solution being looked at is using ACSA’s other network of airports for airlines to refuel.

“At this point in time, the airport is operating normally and the same is expected tomorrow.

“We remain hopeful that the fuel suppliers will find a solution as a matter of urgency. Acsa will provide all the necessary support,” he said.