Since the war in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the aviation sector is shaken by the risk of a jet fuel shortage as summer approaches.
An employee preparing to refuel an airplane with kerosene. (illustration) ( AFP / JACK GUEZ )
There is no jet fuel shortage in Europe, the Commission assures. However, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz blocking 20% of its aviation fuel consumption, the European Union is studying measures to prevent a crisis. Among the options being considered are the importation of alternative jet fuel from the United States or the requirement for European states to maintain minimum reserves. The European Commission is set to present its conclusions on Wednesday.
Brussels will create a “new fuel observatory” to monitor supply and stock levels, starting with jet fuel, according to European Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas. He emphasized that there is currently no shortage in Europe, but concerns are rising, especially since 20% of the EU’s jet fuel usually transits through the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition to the observatory, the EU plans to assess the flexibility at airport slots and the practice of “fuel tankering,” where airlines carry more fuel than necessary to avoid buying more expensive jet fuel at another airport.
In the longer term, efforts are being made to secure alternative sources of jet fuel supply for Europe, such as Jet A fuel produced in the United States. However, the use of Jet A in Europe is currently limited due to differences in standards compared to Jet A-1 distributed in the rest of the world. An evaluation is ongoing before a decision is made, as stated by Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
Facing future shocks, the European official urged the twenty-seven member states to coordinate in crisis situations and ensure transparent use of emergency fuel stocks to avoid market distortions. He also emphasized the need to be prepared for potential future challenges, including evaluating the necessity for minimum jet fuel storage requirements for member states.
Since the war in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the aviation sector is at risk of a jet fuel shortage as summer approaches. Some airlines have already suspended flights due to rising fuel costs.
The CEO of German logistics group DHL, Tobias Meyer, revealed that the company has jet fuel stocks for May and June, but uncertainties remain about the future.
