The European Commission is preparing to introduce measures aimed at addressing dwindling jet fuel supplies across the European Union, amid concerns over rising costs and flight cancellations this summer. The initiative comes as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts fuel shipments, particularly through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for kerosene used in aviation.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen outlined plans to enhance monitoring of fuel stocks and refining capacities throughout the bloc, coordinate supply chains, and potentially mandate the sharing and redistribution of jet fuel among member states. This approach draws parallels to previous EU efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic when vaccine supplies were managed collectively.
“We are moving from a crisis that has so far been primarily a crisis of too high prices. Now, we’re moving towards a crisis of supply. This we will see first and primarily on jet fuels,” Jørgensen stated. He emphasized that the potential redistribution of supplies is intended to prevent disproportionate impacts on certain regions, airports, or member states.
Data from the International Energy Agency indicate that Europe currently has approximately six weeks’ worth of jet fuel reserves remaining. The reliance on Middle Eastern kerosene has made the supply vulnerable to geopolitical instability, prompting some European carriers, including Lufthansa and KLM, to reduce flight schedules due to limited fuel availability.
Jørgensen warned that if the conflict persists, the continent could face a summer characterized by increased airfare prices and further cancellations. While acknowledging that enforcing fuel sharing may provoke political challenges reminiscent of those encountered during the pandemic’s vaccine distribution, he expressed confidence that solidarity among EU member states would prevail.
The Commission’s forthcoming proposals, expected ahead of a summit of EU leaders in Nicosia, Cyprus, include the creation of a “fuel observatory” to provide comprehensive oversight of production and trade flows. Additionally, Brussels plans to evaluate how existing refineries within the EU can optimize output to bolster jet fuel availability.
Discussions are also underway regarding the potential release of strategic fuel stocks held by member states, though this option is not expected to be part of the immediate measures. Currently, EU countries have discretion over which oil products to include in their strategic reserves. The Commission may propose obligations specifically requiring jet fuel to be part of these reserves to enhance preparedness for future disruptions.
The strategy aims to involve collaboration with fuel suppliers, airports, and airlines to ensure alternative sourcing options are explored. Overall, the Commission seeks to mitigate the risk of uneven supply shocks and to foster a coordinated response to what is emerging as a serious energy challenge for European aviation.