Story perspectives

EU Considers US Jet A Imports Amid Fuel Shortage

5/8/2026

Summary

EU Imports JetA

EU announced they may import U.S. Jet A fuel to ease shortages, saying Commission sees no barriers if safety is ensured.
EASA warned Jet A freezes at –40 °C, colder than Jet A-1’s –47 °C, needing extra precautions.
IATA’s Stuart Fox warned war could cause shortages, noting Strait of Hormuz closure cut 20 % of Europe’s kerosene imports and lifted prices 50 %.
The Commission will set up a fuel observatory and may ease tankering rules.

Summary

Ryanair Fuel Hedge

Ryanair hedged 80% of jet fuel to March 2028 at $67 per barrel, less than half spot rates, keeping its schedule intact.
Lufthansa and Aer Lingus cancelled flights over fuel-price pressures, prompting EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to warn airlines must compensate passengers because spikes are not extraordinary circumstances.
AirAsia announced a $19 billion order for 150 Airbus A220-300 jets from 2028, Canadian aircraft purchase, generating work at Short Brothers’ wing plant in Belfast.

Summary

Starmer Urges Staycations

Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Britons to take staycations because jet-fuel shortages are imminent.
The United Kingdom holds no strategic jet-fuel reserves, leaving the country vulnerable to rationing.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the UK imports 65 % of jet fuel, is boosting U.S. purchases and has asked refineries to maximise output.
The International Energy Agency warned that Europe’s fuel reserves could fall to the 23-day critical threshold in June.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OAPEC embargoed oil to the United States, the United Kingdom and allies, raising prices from $3 to $12 per barrel—a 300 % jump. That shock drove Western nations to seek alternative supplies and reserves, echoed as the EU Commission pursues U.S. Jet A fuel, Ryanair signs long-term hedges, and the UK’s lack of reserves and Lufthansa cancellations spur calls for permanent fuel stockpiles.

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EU Imports JetA

EU announced they may import U.S. Jet A fuel to ease shortages, saying Commission sees no barriers if safety is ensured.
EASA warned Jet A freezes at –40 °C, colder than Jet A-1’s –47 °C, needing extra precautions.
IATA’s Stuart Fox warned war could cause shortages, noting Strait of Hormuz closure cut 20 % of Europe’s kerosene imports and lifted prices 50 %.
The Commission will set up a fuel observatory and may ease tankering rules.

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