European Airlines Downplay Jet-Fuel Shortage Fears Amid Middle-East Conflict

European airlines, airports and tour operators say jet-fuel supplies will meet demand through the summer peak, even as prices have risen to about $1,400 per metric ton—roughly double pre-conflict levels. The surge follows the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of global oil flows and supplies roughly a quarter of Europe’s jet fuel.

Reuters

Since hostilities between Iran and the United States escalated, both have blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, restricting maritime traffic. The bottleneck has disrupted crude-oil shipments, driving a rapid price rise for refined jet fuel across Europe. Analysts say the conflict has produced the most severe jet-fuel market stress in decades.

Reuters

Jet-fuel price is about $1,400 per metric ton, roughly double pre-war levels. Gulf-origin fuel normally supplies about 25 % of Europe’s jet fuel; Lufthansa says half of its usual Gulf share has been replaced by other sources. i6 Group data show a 60 % rise in inventories in April, while LSEG Workspace notes low stocks in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp region. 20 % of oil passes the Strait of Hormuz.

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TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel said there is no indication of a shortage. Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said supplies are sufficient through mid-July, with visibility decreasing afterward. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary called the risk of disruption receding. Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi noted high prices are prompting creative sourcing. Dublin Airport managing director Gary McLean said there is no short-term impact. EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen cautioned that longer-term supply issues cannot be ruled out, depending on Middle-East developments.

Reuters

The International Energy Agency warned that global oil supply will fall short of demand this year because of the conflict. Jet-fuel stocks in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp corridor are near record lows, and Italian airports flagged April shortages. Analysts say the optimistic messaging may mask underlying vulnerabilities.

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Airline executives claim adequate short-term supplies, yet stock data show localized scarcity. The IEA’s global shortage forecast contrasts with industry claims of sufficient reserves. No figures detail how much fuel airlines have secured from sources such as the United States or Nigeria, leaving a gap in supply-chain transparency.

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• “There are always people who want to take a stand - we're running out of fuel. There's absolutely no indication of that,” — Sebastian Ebel, CEO, TUI

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• “Supplies and deliveries will be sufficient through mid-July. After that, visibility decreases somewhat,” — Carsten Spohr, CEO, Lufthansa

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• “the risk of a supplydisruption is receding” — Michael O’Leary, CEO, Ryanair

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• “I don't think we're going to be running out,” — Jozsef Varadi, CEO, Wizz Air

Reuters

Airlines aim to maintain confidence ahead of the summer travel period while monitoring the evolving Middle-East situation. EU officials say prolonged blockades could trigger supply constraints beyond July, prompting airlines to diversify sourcing and adjust pricing if market pressures persist.

Reuters