The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun rationing jet fuel following a severe shortage that has left it struggling with a pile-up of planes in Kinshasa.
In a statement on Friday, state-owned Congo Airways said that due to a “shortage of jet A1 fuel throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo”, it has reduced frequency to some destinations; cancelled a number of flights; and changed flight times to deal with the crisis.
Officials in DRC say the war in Ukraine has increased the cost of importing jet fuel, meaning fewer importers are bringing the fuel in on time as they also say the commodity is in short supply globally.
A contingency plan that includes rationing fuel has been put in place pending the arrival of new stocks next month.
Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA) projects African airlines to record $4.1 billion loss this year on the back of expensive jet fuel. This is equivalent to 23.4% of 2019 revenues.
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