Jet Fuel Supplies Tighten Across Europe as Brussels Monitors Volatile Situation

European Union officials insist there is no immediate shortage of jet fuel, but the situation remains fragile as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global supply chains. Transport Commissioner Apostolos Dzidzikostas told a meeting of EU transport ministers in Cyprus this week that while no shortfall has been detected, uncertainty is running high.

The warning comes after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that the ongoing conflict near the Strait of Hormuz has already cost the EU economy dearly. Over the past six weeks, member states have spent an extra €20 billion on fuel due to rising prices.

Dzidzikostas stressed that Brussels is ready to act if conditions worsen. “If the situation deteriorates and flexible measures are not enough, we are prepared to propose targeted, temporary actions where justified,” he said.

To keep a close watch on developments, the Commission will convene a special transport contact group next week. Meetings will now take place weekly, a sign that officials expect the instability to persist.

The crisis stems from U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that began in late February, followed by a brief ceasefire that collapsed after talks in Islamabad failed. President Trump extended a truce in April but demanded a negotiated settlement from Tehran. The escalation has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf. The resulting supply squeeze has driven up fuel and industrial prices worldwide.

For now, European airlines and travelers are not facing cancelled flights or grounded planes. But with no resolution in sight, the margin for error is shrinking fast.