EU warns of jet fuel shortage by June
The European Commission warns that the European Union could face severe aviation fuel shortages after June. This risk is heavily tied to the ongoing US-Iran conflict and a continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas stated on Greek TV station Skai that European airports currently have sufficient kerosene supplies. However, he cautioned that if the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint handling 20% of global oil transit—remains closed past June, supply conditions will tighten significantly.
Price pressures disrupt flights
While physical supplies remain stable for now, flight cancellations are already occurring due to surging jet fuel prices rather than actual shortages. Kerosene consumption accounts for approximately 40% of an aircraft's total operating costs, making the sector highly vulnerable to market volatility.
Emergency contingency plans
To mitigate potential supply chain disruptions, the EU is prepared to release emergency fuel reserves if the market experiences contraction after June. Officials will only implement this measure if it does not generate secondary market issues.
As part of this early-warning strategy, all member states have been required since last week to report their available emergency reserve levels to the Commission on a daily basis.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
