Europe Faces Jet Fuel Shortage as Middle East Supplies Disrupted

Europe is facing a growing risk of jet fuel shortages after shipments from the Middle East came to a halt this month, raising concerns ahead of the peak summer travel season.

The disruption, linked to ongoing regional conflict and the closure of key shipping routes, has led to a sharp decline in fuel flows to the continent. For the first time since records began in 2017, European imports of jet fuel from the Middle East are expected to drop to zero in April, marking a historic supply gap.

Data shows that countries within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Europe consume around 1.6 million barrels of jet fuel and kerosene per day. However, domestic refinery output stands at approximately 1.1 million barrels daily, leaving a deficit of about 500,000 barrels that must be covered through imports.

Historically, Europe has depended heavily on Middle Eastern suppliers, which accounted for nearly 60 percent of its external jet fuel imports last year. This reliance has left the market particularly exposed to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in critical maritime routes.

The supply shock has already pushed jet fuel prices above $200 per barrel, with inventories remaining tight across the region.

Although airlines and fuel providers have sought to reassure markets in the short term, the International Energy Agency has previously warned that Europe could face actual shortages by June if it fails to secure alternative supplies to replace a significant portion of its usual Middle Eastern imports.

As the summer travel season approaches, industry stakeholders are increasingly under pressure to identify new supply sources and stabilise fuel availability to avoid major disruptions to aviation operations across the continent.