Tighter anti-tankering rules or the possible use of alternative jet fuel types are among the measures Brussels is considering for the aviation sector amid a looming jet fuel crisis. The European Commission is warning airlines and member states to prepare for „all eventualities“ as uncertainty grows in the kerosene market.
The European Commission is stepping up coordination among jet fuel supply and issuing new guidance to the airlines. The uncertainty persists over how long pressure on kerosene supplies could continue.
„I don’t think anyone knows how long this situation will still last so the best we can do is to prepare for all eventualities. The close coordination and collaboration with our member states and other stakeholders is absolutely crucial,“ Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said.
Unregulated market
Jet fuel‚ in particular‚ is hard to monitor because of the nature of oil markets, she noted. “Contrary to gas and electricity, oil markets are unregulated. So there is no existing standard process to collect data in a situation of crisis for oil.” Due to a lack of standardization and transparency‚ data on jet fuel inventories—such as commercial aircraft data held by airlines—are not maintained.
However‚ the Commission confirms it is fully informed. It has been in close contact with member states‚ industry and with other international organisations. The Oil Coordination Group is meeting weekly to keep in touch‚ monitor the situation and exchange information․
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The Commission clarified that most of the present-day reports concern commercial jet fuel stocks and are shared voluntarily by firms‚ not by reporting system. It made clear it will not publish detailed figures on jet fuel reserves or future demand. According to Ms Itkonen, the commissioners receive information from the airlines and other relevant actors but they are not obliged to share it. „It’s not for us to make this information public,“ she added.
Guidelines under way
Brussels is drawing up advice for the aviation industry‚ which will be published in upcoming days. This will include measures related to:
- anti-tankering rules, which limit how much fuel airlines can carry
- the possible use of alternative jet fuel types, including North American specifications
- operational and passenger-related considerations
Compatibility of fuels will be determined based on technical guidance from the aviation authorities․
Concerns about the jet fuel shortage persist due to ongoing disruptions in global fossil fuel supplies linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Particularly due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transport route for crude oil and refined products.
In mid-April, Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, warned that unless the situation improves, Europe could run out of jet fuel in about six weeks. The European Commission reacted that there were no jet fuel shortages in the EU to reassure airlines and passengers. Officials maintained that supply systems were functioning normally, despite geopolitical tensions affecting global oil markets.
