Finance
Europe Could Face Jet Fuel Crunch Within Weeks, Airports Body Warns
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 10, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 10, 2026
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Europe’s airport body warns of a looming jet fuel shortage within about three weeks, driven by Strait of Hormuz disruptions; EU urged to map supply, lift restrictions, coordinate purchasing and reserves to avert economic harm ahead of summer travel.
Europe at Risk of Systemic Jet Fuel Shortage, Warns Airports Body
Potential Jet Fuel Crisis and Its Implications for Europe
Urgent Warning and Call for Action
April 10 (Reuters) - Europe's airport industry group has warned that the continent could face a systemic jet fuel shortage in three weeks unless the Strait of Hormuz opens up, calling for urgent EU-wide action to secure supplies ahead of the peak summer travel season.
In a letter to the European Commission dated April 9, the Airports Council International Europe (ACI) said a fuel crunch would "significantly harm the European economy," compounding the macroeconomic impact of rising oil prices triggered by the Middle East conflict.
The Financial Times was first to report on the letter on Friday. The Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Economic Impact of Jet Fuel Shortage
Air connectivity contributes 851 billion euros ($997.03 billion) in gross domestic product annually for European economies and supports 14 million jobs, with airports handling 26% of Europe's exports by value, based on data up to 2019 from an ACI study.
Lack of EU-Wide Monitoring and Assessment
A meeting of the European Commission's oil coordination group this week showed there was currently no EU-wide mapping, assessment or monitoring of jet fuel production and availability, ACI director general Olivier Jankovec said in the letter.
The body has asked the Commission to step in and map current and projected jet fuel availabilities against needs, identify alternative import sources, assess threats to intra-EU fuel flows, and evaluate commercial and strategic reserve levels.
Rising Jet Fuel Prices and Financial Strain
Jet fuel prices have more than doubled to $150 to $200 per barrel in recent weeks, a financial hit for an industry where fuel accounts for up to a quarter of operating expenses.
Policy Interventions and Regulatory Concerns
The letter also called for a series of immediate policy interventions, including the temporary lifting of import restrictions on jet fuel, namely those under the EU's new methane regulation, which will come into force in January 2027.
Jankovec warned the rules had already been discouraging third-country fuel sellers from signing supply contracts for this summer.
Proposed Solutions and Recommendations
The body also suggested collective EU purchasing of jet fuel and targeted refinery obligations to safeguard production and include airports, airlines and ground handlers in state aid in response to the crisis.
($1 = 0.8535 euros)
(Reporting by Ananya Palyekar in Bengaluru and Julia Payne in Brussels; Editing by Alison Williams and Janane Venkatraman)
Key Takeaways
- •Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) warns of possible systemic jet fuel shortage by early May if Strait of Hormuz remains closed, urging urgent EU action. (euronews.com)
- •Jet fuel prices in Europe have surged—more than doubling to between $150–200 a barrel—straining airline operations and margins. (ad-hoc-news.de)
- •Supply is constrained by reduced refining capacity, import reliance, and rationing at Italian airports (Milan, Venice, Bologna, Treviso), highlighting vulnerability ahead of peak summer travel. (travelandtourworld.com)
References
- How serious will the jet fuel crisis in Europe become? | Euronews
- United Airlines Braces for $175 Brent Crude as Iran Conflict Drives Oil to $112 - Airline Capacity C
- Italy Joins Germany, Spain, UK, France and Others Grappling with Europe Jet Fuel Shortage as Milan, Venice, Bologna and Treviso Face Refuelling Caps Triggering Flight Delays, Route Disruptions and Air
Frequently Asked Questions about Europe could face jet fuel crunch within weeks, airports body warns
1Why is Europe facing a potential jet fuel shortage?
The potential shortage is due to restricted supply through the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East conflict, coupled with existing supply chain weaknesses.
2What economic impact could a jet fuel shortage have in Europe?
A shortage could harm Europe's economy, threatening air connectivity, jobs, GDP contributions, and exports, especially during peak travel season.
3What has the Airports Council International Europe (ACI) recommended to address the crisis?
ACI has urged the European Commission to map fuel needs, identify alternative sources, lift certain import restrictions, and consider collective fuel purchasing.
4How have jet fuel prices in Europe changed recently?
Jet fuel prices have more than doubled, reaching $150 to $200 per barrel in recent weeks, significantly increasing airline operating costs.
5What policy changes are being proposed in response to the jet fuel crisis?
Immediate interventions suggested include lifting import restrictions, targeted refinery obligations, and extending state aid to aviation stakeholders.
