Business Reporter
CONTAMINATED jet fuel from fuel giant Vivo Energy Namibia has led to a shortage of aviation fuel in Namibia, forcing some long-haul flights leaving the country to reroute to Angola.
Vivo Energy announced that it detected and quarantined a consignment of off-spec Jet A-1 fuel destined for Hosea Kutako International Airport. Vivo Energy is a local subsidiary of international company Vitol Energy, which earlier this year was granted the sole mandate to supply fuel to Namibia under an emergency procurement contract by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse. The move came after the country faced fuel shortages and heightened prices due to geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) said it is aware of the current Jet A-1 fuel supply challenges affecting the aviation sector at Hosea Kutako International Airport and is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“NAC wishes to assure airlines, passengers, aviation partners, regulatory authorities and the travelling public that active coordination efforts are underway to manage the situation and minimise disruptions to airport operations and air connectivity. The company is engaging closely with fuel suppliers, government authorities, aviation stakeholders and industry partners to support a coordinated response aimed at maintaining the safe and efficient operation of airport services across the NAC network,” Dan Kamati, Communications and Marketing Officer at the NAC, said.
He added that, at this stage, airport operations continue, and NAC is working with affected stakeholders to monitor developments and implement appropriate contingency measures where necessary.
“NAC will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and encourages passengers to remain in contact with their respective airlines regarding any potential schedule adjustments. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders as collective efforts continue to safeguard the resilience and continuity of Namibia’s aviation sector,” Kamati said.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Vivo Energy Namibia
