The European Union preparing for potential fuel shortages

How many flights will be canceled this summer? The European Union claims to be safe from kerosene shortages at this stage, but is preparing for all scenarios and could resort to American fuel “Jet A” if needed.

The conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have led to a spike in aviation fuel prices and concerns about potential shortages this summer.

On Friday, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) paved the way for the use of Jet A, a kerosene produced in the United States but not currently distributed in Europe due to technical reasons.

“Jet A is used daily for flights departing from and within the United States and Canada. The potential introduction of Jet A in Europe or other regions of the world would not pose a safety issue, provided that the introduction is properly managed,” said the agency, recommending not to mix fuels and to train teams properly.

In parallel, the European Commission has outlined measures available to member states to optimize kerosene use, such as aircraft refueling or airspace slot distribution.

– What are the fuel stocks in Europe?

Brussels continues to emphasize: there is no kerosene shortage in Europe.

In France, the government is very reassuring. There is “no fear” of shortage in May and June and “probably little risk” afterwards, Economy Minister Roland Lescure stated on Wednesday.

Before the Middle East conflict, 20% of the kerosene consumed in Europe passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

With the rise in prices, several airlines, especially low-cost carriers, have announced flight cancellations.

“At this stage, it’s more of an economic issue, fuel costs, rather than availability,” explained Matteo Mirolo, an aviation transportation expert, to AFP.

However, if the crisis continues, Brussels is preparing for potential “supply problems. We’re not there yet, but it could happen,” according to European Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen.

Last week, the Commission announced the establishment of a kerosene observatory to better monitor the situation.

So far, the EU did not have a detailed view of the reserves of the Twenty-Seven. European legislation requires strategic stocks of petroleum products equivalent to 90 days of net imports and 61 days of domestic consumption, without distinguishing between gasoline, diesel, and kerosene.

In a general sense, a Commission source estimates that some countries, like Ireland, are more vulnerable due to refining capacity limitations, while others like Finland seem better prepared.

Additionally, this source also raises concerns about some airlines taking advantage of the crisis to cancel unprofitable routes.

– What has the EU announced?

The Commission has clarified the existing rules to ensure optimal kerosene use and the lowest possible price for both states and airlines.

The European executive allows flexibility on “tankering,” where airlines fly with more fuel than necessary to avoid buying kerosene at an airport facing shortages.

Flexibility is also provided regarding airport slots, which could prevent an airline from forfeiting a slot due to a possible shortage and being penalized in the allocation of subsequent slots.

On the sensitive issue of air passenger rights, Brussels states that airlines have the right not to compensate passengers (beyond ticket reimbursement) in the event of a local fuel shortage, considered an “extraordinary circumstance.”

If the crisis continues, the EU envisions coordination among the Twenty-Seven to release emergency stocks and voluntarily share kerosene between them.

– Is American kerosene a solution?

American Jet A, different from Jet A-1 distributed elsewhere, is currently not used in Europe except for flights returning from the United States.

Its standards are less stringent than European standards, particularly to withstand very low temperatures during long-haul flights.

However, the EU is exploring this option, and some airlines aim to use it more widely from this summer.

EASA has ruled out direct safety risks but stipulates conditions, mentioning potential operational risks “if both fuels are used simultaneously.”

In the long term, Brussels also emphasizes the development of non-fossil aviation fuels (SAF).