LATAM Grapples with Colombia Jet Fuel Crisis

DALLAS — LATAM Airlines Colombia (4C) and its sister subsidiaries have been alerted to a severe shortage of Jet A1 aviation fuel at airports in Leticia, Montería, and Bucaramanga, with Bogotá nearing a critical level. This shortage stems from a power outage at the Cartagena Refinery on August 16, causing a nationwide fuel supply crisis.

In response, the airline has initiated a contingency plan, which includes loading extra fuel on international flights, adjusting operations, and closely monitoring fuel consumption.

According to Pablo Díaz from aviaciononline.com, 4C is working with industry stakeholders, including IATA, Aerocivil, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and Ecopetrol, to address the crisis. Ecopetrol has imported 100,000 barrels of Jet A1 fuel, expected to arrive between August 31 and September 2. Although an initial projection anticipated an 8% deficit in fuel deliveries, recent estimates have reduced this to 5%.

Santiago Álvarez, CEO of LATAM Airlines Colombia, emphasized the importance of a stable fuel supply for the continuity of air operations in Colombia, urging the evaluation of long-term solutions to prevent similar crises in the future.

ALTA's Response, Recommendations

The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) has called for immediate governmental intervention to address the fuel crisis, highlighting its potential impact on Colombia's connectivity and economy. ALTA represents 170 companies in the civil aviation sector, handling over 80% of air traffic in Latin America and the Caribbean.

ALTA emphasizes two key areas for addressing the crisis:

1. Transparency in Fuel Planning and Distribution: Ensuring clear capacity planning and fuel management to prevent excessive impacts on airline operating costs and consumer ticket prices.

2. Regulation for Jet A Fuel Imports: Advocating for regulations that allow fuel imports from nearby markets, which could enhance competition, reduce costs, and improve availability.

ALTA also stresses the importance of equitable fuel distribution among operators and encourages cooperation among suppliers to avoid shortages. The organization calls for dialogue with authorities and stakeholders to minimize the crisis's impact on Colombians and air transport users, underscoring the essential role of aviation in the country’s economy and public services.