EU airlines warn of fuel shortages

EU Aviation Sector Warns of Fuel Shortages Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis, Jet Fuel Prices Surge

Bengaluru, 12 April: Europe’s aviation industry has raised serious concerns over potential jet fuel shortages if disruptions continue in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit corridor.

The warning comes as airlines worldwide begin to cut flights and increase passenger fares, responding to rising fuel costs and supply uncertainty.

Jet Fuel Prices Hit Record High

According to industry data, benchmark European jet fuel prices have surged to an all-time high of $1,838 per tonne, compared to $831 before the conflict, reflecting the severity of the ongoing crisis.

EU Urged to Take Immediate Action

ACI Europe has called on the European Union to take urgent measures, warning that reliance on market forces alone will not be sufficient.

Director General Olivier Jankovec urged:

  • EU-wide monitoring of fuel supply and production
  • Collective purchasing of jet fuel
  • Temporary easing of restrictions on jet fuel imports

Airlines & Airports Under Pressure

The crisis is already impacting the aviation ecosystem:

  • Airlines are reducing flight frequencies
  • Passenger fares are rising due to fuel cost pressures
  • Smaller airports (handling under 1 million passengers annually) face serious financial strain

Push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

The situation has also renewed calls for accelerating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and affordability.

Industry leaders believe this crisis could act as a catalyst to:

  • Reduce dependence on conventional jet fuel
  • Strengthen long-term sustainability in aviation

Outlook

With fuel prices expected to remain elevated in the medium to long term, the aviation sector faces a challenging period marked by cost pressures, operational disruptions, and strategic realignment.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of global aviation to geopolitical developments, particularly in critical energy supply routes.

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