Petroleum giant BP’s decision to withdraw its fuel supply from South Africa’s airports has created shockwaves across the airline industry both domestic and international. The airlines’ major concern is for the security of supply going forward.  

CEO of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (Barsa), George Mothema told Tourism Update an alternative fuel provider had already been appointed to replace BP.

Fuel operator Sky Tanking has already replaced BP in the fuel supply consortium supplying fuel to Cape Town International and that company will do the same at OR Tambo, filling the gap from May 1. Barsa has been given assurances of security of supply by airport operator Acsa, and has been assured that transitional arrangements are in place.

Mothema said he did not expect the supply of fuel to airlines to be affected, but that Barsa would continue to keep watch over the fuel situation at all airports used by Barsa members.

He said King Shaka International was not affected as it had its own fuel arrangement in place.

Tourism Update’s sister publication, Freight News has quoted an executive from the airfreight sector confirming that the decision by Air BP to withdraw its fuel supply was because of South Africa’s refusal to comply with international sanctions against the Russian government of Vladimir Putin but Air BP has not confirmed this.

“Behind the scenes, the meetings they have had at the airport do relate directly to the relationship that the South African government has with Putin and his crew. This is just another case of a British company that doesn’t want to be associated with Russia,” the unnamed executive told Freight News. 

Commenting on Air BP’s withdrawal from OR Tambo, Hamlet Morule, Air BP’s Head of Communications & External Affairs, said: “As part of good business practice, Air BP reviews its portfolio on a continuous basis. In light of its latest review, a decision was taken to exit all of BP’s aviation activities as operator at the airports and direct supplier to airlines in South Africa. The decision was made as a result of Air BP’s current global business strategy.”

The British oil and gas giant says it has already withdrawn from Cape Town International Airport, effective January 31 this year. It says it will cease aviation fuel activities at East London and George Airports on March 31, and King Shaka International Airport on April 30.

Tourism Update has heard that Acsa is busy purchasing BP’s assets at the George and Gqeberha airports, which serve only domestic flights.