2024-08-27 05:12:32
The supply of jet fuel in several cities in Colombia is facing an unprecedented crisis, affecting key airports such as Valledupar, Cúcuta and Leticia as of August 25, 2024.
HUILA DAILY, CURRENT NEWS
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has sounded the alarm in Colombia by announcing its concern about the imminent shortage of jet fuel, a situation that will directly affect several cities in the country. Among the affected localities are Valledupar, Cúcuta and Leticia, where there will be no fuel supply from this date, according to the Colombian Petroleum Company (Ecopetrol).
IATA has warned that the fuel rationing measure announced by Ecopetrol, although necessary, will not be enough to avoid a crisis in air transport. According to the association, airlines comply with strict safety regulations that prevent them from operating with less fuel than required, which will further complicate the situation.
Strict regulations and air safety
Colombian fuel regulations require aircraft to carry a minimum amount of fuel on board to ensure flight safety. This includes not only the fuel consumption needed for the journey from origin to destination, but also the fuel required for possible diversions to alternate airports and additional flight times. These requirements are especially critical on international flights, where distances and operational variables are greater.
IATA stressed that fuel planning for each flight is done in compliance with these regulations, and reducing these minimums is not a viable option for airlines, which could lead to flight cancellations if fuel supply does not return to normal.
You can read: Terpel warns of reduction in the supply of jet fuel
Impact on key airports
Fuel shortages will affect multiple airports in Colombia, with suspensions and critical alerts beginning August 25 and extending to August 26 in some cases. The most affected cities include:
– Valledupar, Cúcuta and Leticia: Terpel, the main fuel supplier in these cities, announced the total suspension of supply as of August 25, 2024.
– Bogotá and Cartagena: They will also face significant suspensions, with Terpel announcing a complete lack of supply to several airlines starting August 26.
– Medellín, Bucaramanga, Cali and Pasto: They are on alert due to critical inventories, which could lead to flight suspensions.
– Barranquilla: Critical inventory alerts and scheduled suspensions for some airlines since August 26.
Response from the presidency
Amid growing concern, President Gustavo Petro took to social media to dismiss the jet fuel supply crisis, saying the situation is under control and that it is not a major emergency. However, the president did not provide details on the specific measures being implemented to mitigate the impact on travelers and airlines.
The situation was caused by an electronic failure at the Cartagena Refinery on August 16, which caused a reduction in fuel production of 8%, later adjusted to 5%. This decrease was enough for IATA to issue a statement warning of a possible crisis, generating concern among airlines and passengers.
Ecopetrol shares
In response to the crisis, Ecopetrol issued a statement assuring that operations at the refinery have been restored and that the company has implemented a comprehensive plan to ensure the continued supply of fuels, including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. In addition, the company announced the import of 100,000 barrels of jet fuel, in order to cover immediate demand and avoid a collapse in air transport.
Despite these measures, uncertainty remains, and airlines have begun preparing contingency plans, which could include re-accommodating passengers on other flights, refunds and providing additional services during potential delays.
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