EU poised to release jet fuel stocks to avert summer travel chaos
April 17, 2026
The European Union is poised to coordinate a release of jet fuel stocks if disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz continue, an EU spokesperson informed Reuters on Friday, even as Iran temporarily reopened the vital waterway .
The European Union is preparing to take emergency measures, including the potential coordinated release of jet fuel reserves, to prevent a looming supply shortage from causing widespread travel chaos during the peak summer season. The move comes as top energy officials warn of a rapidly developing crisis. The International Energy Agency's executive director, Fatih Birol, issued a stark warning that Europe may only have about six weeks of jet fuel supplies remaining if current disruptions persist, potentially leading to flight cancellations. While the European Commission has stated there are no systemic shortages at present, it acknowledged that it is actively preparing for that possibility.
The crisis stems from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint. An estimated 40% of Europe's jet fuel imports transit through this waterway, and the blockade has severely constricted supply lines. This disruption has exposed the continent's dependency on foreign energy, as Europe imports a significant portion of its jet fuel, with the majority of those imports originating in the Middle East. The supply shock has caused jet fuel prices to roughly double since the conflict began, placing immense financial pressure on the aviation industry.
Airlines across the continent are already feeling the strain of soaring operational costs. Jet fuel accounts for approximately 30% of an airline's expenses, and the price surge has rendered some routes financially unsustainable. In response, carriers such as KLM and Lufthansa have begun canceling flights, and EasyJet has warned of significant financial losses despite strong travel demand. Airport and airline associations have been sounding the alarm, urging Brussels to take swift and decisive action to mitigate the escalating crisis and prevent systemic disruptions.
In response, the European Commission is shifting its focus from a price crisis to a potential supply crisis. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen confirmed that Brussels is developing a series of measures to be unveiled as soon as April 22. These plans include enhanced monitoring of fuel stocks and refinery capacities across the bloc. More significantly, officials are preparing for the coordinated release of strategic reserves and are considering mechanisms for sharing and redistributing jet fuel among member states to ensure no single region is left stranded.
For travelers, the situation points toward a summer of uncertainty, with the likelihood of higher ticket prices and more volatile flight schedules. While the EU's contingency planning aims to prevent a wave of mass cancellations, some level of disruption appears increasingly probable if supplies are not restored. The ultimate resolution hinges on geopolitical developments and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. For now, the aviation industry and European governments are bracing for a difficult period, hoping their preparations can keep Europe flying.
Source: independentuk