South African Revenue Service Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter has granted special permission for the importation of jet fuel, known as kerosene, after the industry raised concerns about the threat of fuel shortage.

The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa warned that this could disrupt operations at O.R. Tambo International Airport and other airports, which include King Shaka International Airport.

Following Monday’s media statement by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) about an engagement with industry to avert fuel shortages at all airports, the revenue service announced that special permission for the importation of kerosene was granted after careful consideration from 21 October 2024 until 20 October 2025.

‘The special permission is granted to allow parties to attend to the complexities involved in the process of the deregistration of manufacturing warehouses and reregistration of affected storage facilities.

‘The Commissioner requests all parties to conclude the outstanding work urgently
and ensure that all compliance requirements are met, and that the current licensing provision, in respect of the importation of kerosene fuel and its derivatives, may be confirmed where appropriate.

‘Every taxpayer that is involved will be communicated with individually, in line with their applicable circumstances. SARS believes that this announcement will bring certainty to the industry, which will benefit the country’s economy and enable everyone to travel smoothly,’ the revenue service said on Tuesday.

The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa had warned that the supply of aviation kerosene is facing severe threat due to regulatory delays in the licensing of import storage facilities.

Source: South African Government News Agency