In Colombia, dwindling stocks of kerosene are causing major disruption to the airline industry.
Fuel distributors are now limiting deliveries, forcing airlines to reorganize their operations to adapt to this unforeseen situation.
The main source of this shortage is a power failure at the Cartagena refinery, which interrupted fuel production for several days in mid-August.
This refinery, one of the country’s most important energy infrastructures, is a crucial link in the kerosene supply chain for Colombian airports.
The impact of this crisis on the airline industry is immediate and significant.
Airlines, although forced to reduce some of their operations, are seeking to minimize disruption to passengers.
The situation is made all the more complex by the fact that the airports affected by this reduction in supply are among the busiest in the country, notably those of Bogotá, Medellín and Cali.
Tension is mounting among companies in the sector, who have to juggle the need to maintain an operational service with the management of their limited resources.
Emergency measures and crisis management
Faced with this situation, several emergency measures were implemented to mitigate the effects of the shortage.
Ecopetrol, the national oil company, quickly announced the import of 100,000 barrels of kerosene to offset the shortfall.
These imports, which should arrive in the next few days, are aimed at temporarily restoring critical stock levels at the most affected airports.
Nevertheless, this solution remains temporary and raises questions about the country’s dependence on a centralized refining infrastructure.
In addition, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued guidelines for rationing the use of kerosene.
These include reducing the number of passengers per flight and suspending certain non-essential routes.
These measures, while necessary, are likely to cause further disruption to the Colombian air transport network, with potential repercussions for the country’s economy, particularly in terms of trade and tourism.
Impact on the Colombian air network
Medellín International Airport, a major hub for domestic and international flights, is already experiencing flight cancellations due to the energy crisis.
The cancellations, although limited for the moment, could intensify if the situation does not improve quickly.
In addition, other airports are reporting increasing difficulties in maintaining normal operations, highlighting the vulnerability of the Colombian air network to a disruption in fuel supplies.
The Colombian government, aware of the economic and logistical implications of this crisis, has ordered inspections of fuel stocks at the country’s main airport infrastructures.
The aim of these inspections is to ensure that existing reserves are used optimally, while exploring solutions to avoid further disruption in the short term.
The airlines, for their part, are continuing to work with the authorities to find ways of managing this crisis while maintaining an acceptable level of service for passengers.
Future prospects and challenges
This shortage highlights broader structural challenges for the Colombian aviation sector.
Dependence on a single refinery for the supply of kerosene underlines the need for the country to diversify its sources of energy supply.
In addition, the ability of authorities and companies to react to such a crisis will be decisive in assessing the resilience of the Colombian aviation sector.
The current situation could prompt decision-makers to consider investments in more robust and diversified energy infrastructures, in order to reduce the risks associated with blackouts or interruptions in the future.
Industry players continue to monitor the situation closely as emergency measures are implemented.
The long-term impact on airline operations in Colombia will largely depend on how quickly and effectively these measures are implemented, as well as on the country’s ability to strengthen its energy infrastructure to avoid such situations in the future.
