Finance
EU to Consider Forcing Countries to Hold, Redistribute Jet Fuel Stocks
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 22, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 22, 2026
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The EU is evaluating a proposal to mandate jet fuel stockpiles and possible redistribution across member states amid looming shortages tied to the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran. Europe faces potential jet fuel deficits by June if Middle East supply replacements fall below 50%, and Member States current
EU looks to tighten grip on jet fuel as Iran war spotlights shortage risks
EU Considers Strategic Measures to Address Jet Fuel Shortages
By Kate Abnett and Joanna Plucinska
BRUSSELS, April 22 (Reuters) - The European Union is considering requiring countries to hold stockpiles of jet fuel, and potentially redistribute it based on regional needs and shortages, Europe's energy policy chief told Reuters on Wednesday, as concerns mount over possible shortages tied to the Iran war.
The European Commission proposed measures on Wednesday to address the energy fallout from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, including EU-wide monitoring of refinery output in an effort to maximize capacity.
Potential New Rules on Jet Fuel Reserves
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen told Reuters that the bloc could add rules on jet fuel reserves and even sharing, that would signal a more hands-on approach.
"We will be able to, if necessary, introduce redistribution tools and other things that we don't normally do in this sector," he said in an interview.
"Normally, we let the market decide, but we can end up in a crisis where it is indeed security of supply that is the problem, and not only prices."
Current EU Jet Fuel Reserve Requirements
EU JET FUEL RESERVE REQUIREMENTS
The EU requires countries to hold 90 days' worth of oil and oil products in reserve, as a buffer against shortages. Countries can include jet fuel in this stockpile, but there is currently no requirement to do so.
The EU has said jet fuel shortages are not currently an issue, but a prolonged blockage of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to longer-term challenges.
Forecasts and Potential Impacts
The International Energy Agency has forecast shortages by June if Europe can only replace half of the supplies it normally gets from the Middle East.
Jorgensen added that he was hopeful there was room to increase European jet fuel refinery output, with the Commission saying that it would work to maximise refinery production and would create a fuel observatory to better map transport fuel supplies and stocks.
Industry Response to EU Plans
Already, a number of European carriers, including TUI and easyJet have issued profit warnings on the back of fallout from the war, with many saying their outlooks are uncertain.
Underscoring the wider scramble, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) - an industry body composed of a dozen mainly domestic carriers - was due to meet with the government on Wednesday after threatening to ground planes due to crippling jet fuel prices.
Support from Airports and Airlines
INDUSTRY BACKS PLAN
Airports and airlines supported the plan, which also included efforts to clarify flexibilities in rules on airport slots and public service obligations.
"The plan adopted today is the adequate strategy and response to mitigate potential jet fuel shortage risks, given how uncertain the situation remains over the resumption of the safe and stable passage through the Strait of Hormuz," Olivier Jankovec, the head of Airports Council International Europe, said in a statement.
Airlines for Europe, a trade group representing airlines like Lufthansa, Ryanair and Air France-KLM, urged swift implementation of the new measures.
Calls for Swift Implementation
"Airlines cannot wait, while jet fuel supply recovery will take weeks," the group said in a statement.
(Writing by Joanna Plucinska; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Key Takeaways
- •European Commission may require mandatory jet fuel reserves and introduce redistribution tools, a departure from its traditionally market-driven approach, to safeguard supply security.
- •The IEA warns that Europe could face physical jet fuel shortages as early as June if only half of normal Middle East imports can be replaced; current stock levels risk falling below critical thresholds.
- •EU law mandates 90 days of oil and oil product reserves (or 61 days of consumption), but doesn't obligate jet fuel inclusion; while current stock levels appear adequate, prolonged disruption—such as blocked Strait of Hormuz—could expose vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about EU to consider forcing countries to hold, redistribute jet fuel stocks
1Why is the EU considering mandatory jet fuel reserves?
The EU is considering this measure due to concerns over potential shortages caused by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and possible supply disruptions.
2What is the current EU policy on oil and jet fuel stockpiles?
EU countries are required to hold 90 days' worth of oil and oil products as reserves, but there is no specific requirement for jet fuel.
3Could EU countries be required to redistribute jet fuel?
Yes, the EU is considering redistribution tools to address regional needs if supply becomes a critical issue.
4What could trigger jet fuel shortages in Europe?
A prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt Middle East supply routes, potentially leading to jet fuel shortages.
5How are airlines in Europe responding to these concerns?
Several European carriers, such as TUI and easyJet, have issued profit warnings and expressed uncertainty due to the ongoing supply risks.