Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has called on governments in the region to be more transparent about fuel stocks as jet fuel costs surge due to the Middle East conflict.
AASA chief executive officer Aaron Munetsi says information should be shared on whether there is sufficient stock beyond May, the status of fuel reserves, and how those reserves will be allocated.
The International Energy Agency recently warned that Europe had only six weeks of jet fuel left, with the International Air Transport Association saying flight cancellations could occur as early as May due to low stock levels.
“Airlines require certainty on the security of jet fuel supplies beyond a six-week horizon if they are to maintain their schedules and fulfil their obligations to customers,” Munetsi said.
He pleaded with the region’s fuel suppliers, depots and airports, and all Southern African Development Community governments to share contingency fuel allocations and distribution plans with the industry.
According to AASA, the US/Israel-Iran war that began on 28 February has caused a near-tripling of jet fuel prices in South Africa, from US 54 cents to US$1.8 per litre last week.
-0- PANA CU/MA 28April2026
