By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : January 15, 2025 6:38 pm
It is anticipated that the fire will negatively impact the production and supply of jet fuel, ULP93 and diesel from the refinery
On 4 January 2025, a fire occurred at the Natref refinery that caused damage to certain infrastructure around the Crude Distillation Unit. No injuries occurred, with the fire immediately extinguished and the plant safely shut down. Natref is a joint venture crude oil refinery between Sasol (63,64%) and Prax Group (36,36%), located in Sasolburg.
It is anticipated that the fire will negatively impact the production and supply of jet fuel, ULP93 and diesel from the refinery.
In particular, it is anticipated that the supply of jet fuel to OR Tambo International Airport will be impacted. Sasol and Natref are developing and implementing mitigation plans to minimise any supply shortfalls of jet fuel and other products. This includes sourcing imported products.
An investigation into the incident has commenced and this will include a detailed root cause analysis into cause of the fire. Sasol and Natref have notified all the relevant authorities, our stakeholders and customers of the incident and are working with them to assist minimising impacts from the incident and the duration thereof.
An assessment of damages is underway and will inform the repair schedule and subsequent start-up of the refinery. This timing and the production volume impact will be provided in Sasol’s Q2 FY2025 Production and Sales Metrics report on 23 January 2025.