The European Union is preparing emergency measures to address a looming jet fuel shortage, as the Iran crisis threatens to disrupt air travel across Europe ahead of the peak summer season.
Officials said the European Commission is drafting plans to maximise refinery output and ensure existing facilities operate at full capacity. A proposal seen by Reuters indicates that, from next month, the EU will introduce bloc-wide monitoring of refining capacity and implement measures “to ensure that existing refining capacity is fully utilised and maintained”.
European airlines have warned that jet fuel shortages could emerge within weeks due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted supplies through the critical Strait of Hormuz. Europe relies on the Middle East for about 75% of its jet fuel imports, making it more exposed than for any other transport fuel.
Jet fuel prices have surged following the blockage of the strait, prompting airlines to warn of potential fare increases, flight cancellations and grounded aircraft if the situation persists.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the conflict could end soon, urging observers to expect an “amazing two days”, even as US forces continued enforcing a blockade on vessels leaving Iranian ports.
The International Energy Agency has warned that jet fuel shortages could hit by June if only half of the region’s usual Middle Eastern supply is replaced. Analysts say increased imports from Africa and the US are unlikely to fully offset the shortfall.
Fuel supply systems at many European airports are also under strain, with limited storage capacity and short-term stock planning. Some airports have warned that shortages could begin within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to fuel shipments.
“Our (jet fuel) suppliers are changing their forecasting windows, and they’re no longer keen to give an outlook over a time window that goes beyond one month,” Lufthansa CTO, Grazia Vittadini, told Reuters in Frankfurt on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said the crisis had not yet affected operations but confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored. Groupe ADP, which operates Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, did not respond to requests for comment.
Europe’s refining capacity has declined in recent years due to falling domestic oil production and the shift towards cleaner energy. The IEA noted that many refiners are already operating at maximum capacity for jet fuel production.
Jet fuel supply remains uneven across the continent. Spain, with eight refineries, is a net exporter, while the UK depends on imports for more than 60% of its demand.
Airlines have called on the EU to improve supply monitoring and consider joint kerosene purchasing. While EU member states are required to maintain 90 days of emergency oil reserves, there is no specific mandate for jet fuel stockpiles.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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