Jet fuel crunch: Why did it happen and will it happen again?

The past six months saw two jet fuel scares in SA, one in May at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and one in Cape Town last week. These shortages have raised questions about jet fuel security in the country and the impact any more unplanned shortages could have on the economy and the upcoming high tourism season.

SA's aviation industry is dependent on jet fuel imports.

Asked whether it would have helped the situation if SA still refined jet fuel in in the country, instead of importing, an international aviation expert, who wants to remain anonymous, said it had to be kept in mind that jet fuel is a side product of a regular refinery and very close to diesel in nature.