European airports risk a “systemic shortage” of jet fuel if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened within three weeks .
This is reported by the Financial Times, which has seen a letter sent by ACI Europe, which represents EU airports, to the European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
Jet fuel reserves are running low, ACI Europe warns , while “the impact of military activities” is further straining supplies.
The association called for monitoring and proactive action by the European Union, highlighting the industry's "growing concerns" about fuel availability.
"Currently," it reads, " there is no European-wide mapping/assessment and monitoring of jet fuel production and availability. A supply crisis would severely disrupt airport operations and air connectivity , with the risk of serious economic repercussions for the affected communities and for Europe in the event of a systemic jet fuel shortage."
Concerns are intensifying as the summer season approaches, when "air transport is fundamental for the entire tourism ecosystem on which many economies depend" .
Some Asian countries, such as Vietnam, have already started rationing jet fuel due to shortages, but Europe has not yet experienced widespread shortages, although fuel prices have doubled and airlines have warned of the risk of cancellations.
In Italy , six airports have introduced fuel restrictions for several days on flights lasting less than three hours, while at Brindisi the unavailability of fuel was announced – for one day only .
Despite US President Donald Trump's announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the war with Iran, global oil prices remained elevated. Benchmark jet fuel prices in northwestern Europe closed Thursday at $1,573 a tonne, double the price of around $750 a tonne before the Iran war, according to price information agency Argus Media. European airlines say they have enough fuel stocks to last several weeks, but suppliers are unable to guarantee deliveries until May.
