A critical shortage of jet fuel, exacerbated by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, poses a significant risk of flight cancellations across Europe as the summer travel season begins.
The European aviation industry is facing a severe fuel shortage, potentially grounding flights due to ongoing disruptions in oil supplies stemming from the US-Iran conflict and the resulting standoff at the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has unfolded seven weeks after the US-Israel war on Iran, leading to widespread flight cancellations and route changes. The International Energy Agency estimates Europe has “maybe six weeks or so” of jet fuel remaining, warning of possible cancellations if oil supplies remain curtailed. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, is at the center of the crisis, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG traffic. This disruption has driven up energy prices, prompting governments to utilize strategic reserves and initiating talks with international partners, including a coalition of over 40 nations, to reopen the strait. European aviation is particularly vulnerable, relying on 75% of its jet fuel imports from the Middle East. With an anticipated 747 million international tourist arrivals this summer, the impact of a prolonged shortage could be devastating. Jet fuel itself is a kerosene-based petroleum product, typically Jet A or Jet A-1, and is produced in specialized refineries in China, the Middle East, and the US, operated by companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and Saudi Aramco. It's stored in bulk facilities and fuel farms and distributed to aircraft via hydrant systems or refuelling trucks. Global jet fuel consumption is substantial, reaching approximately 7.788 million barrels per day in 2025, with projections for continued growth. DATA: N/A
Sources: Based on reporting from Al Jazeera
✨ This report was generated by AI News Assistant.
Tags:
Europe