- The EU has drafted plans to map refinery capacity for jet fuel.
- The IEA has warned Europe has about six weeks of stocks left.
- Rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope has added delivery delays.
- Aviation fuel prices have increased since the Hormuz blockade started.
- Officials have examined emergency reserves and alternative imports.
- Fatih Birol shared “In Europe we have maybe six weeks or so of jet fuel left.”
The EU has begun work on a jet fuel contingency plan as the Iran crisis has continued to threaten air travel across the continent. Officials have drafted measures to map refinery capacity and maximise output in response to blocked supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Airlines have reported concerns over potential shortages and price increases if alternative routes fail to deliver sufficient volumes in time.
The International Energy Agency warned on 16 April 2026 that Europe held maybe six weeks of jet fuel stocks under current conditions. Fatih Birol stated that rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope added up to 20 days to deliveries and left inventories at low levels in several member states. The EU has examined options to draw on emergency reserves while accelerating imports from the United States and other non Gulf sources.
No widespread flight cancellations have taken place so far but industry groups have prepared for possible disruptions ahead of the summer season. The European Commission has coordinated with national governments to address uneven stock distribution across hubs such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Prices for aviation fuel have risen sharply since the blockade began in late February.
Brussels has fast tracked discussions on temporary measures to ease the financial burden on airlines facing sharply higher fuel prices caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and related supply chain pressures. Officials have confirmed that a coordinated plan is now under active consideration to stabilise operations and protect connectivity for passengers.
The initiative has gained momentum following warnings from carriers that sustained high fuel costs could force further flight cancellations and fare increases. Several member states have already signalled support for short term exemptions or subsidies on aviation fuel taxes while longer term alternatives such as accelerated investment in sustainable aviation fuel are also being examined. Industry representatives have welcomed the EU engagement but have stressed the need for swift implementation to avoid deeper damage to the sector.
Negotiations are continuing at senior level with a view to finalising details in the coming days. The European Commission has indicated that any relief package would be designed to be proportionate and time limited while still addressing the immediate operational challenges. Airlines have been urged to maintain services where possible and to communicate clearly with passengers affected by any residual disruptions.
This week, Airports Council International has warned that European airports may face a jet fuel shortage in the coming weeks. The group has urged the European Commission to establish an EU-wide monitoring system for jet fuel production and availability. ACI Director Olivier Jankovec has sent a letter to the Commission following a special meeting of the Oil Coordination Group.
ACI hpointed to the absence of current EU mapping or monitoring of jet fuel supplies and has called for immediate action on alternative import sources and reserve levels.
ACI has also recommended temporary lifting of import restrictions on jet fuel and clarification of requirements under the EU Methane Emissions Regulation. The group has urged collective EU purchasing and targeted refinery obligations to safeguard domestic production. Longer-term measures have addressed the EU’s reduced refining capacity and dependence on imports.
Olivier Jankovec shared “If the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU.”
The European Commission shared “A coordinated plan is now under active consideration to stabilise operations and protect connectivity for passengers.”
