Europe faces looming jet fuel shortages and summer flight disruption
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 3
Europe faces looming jet fuel shortages and summer flight disruption
11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 3
With Hormuz blocked for eight weeks, Europe’s stocks have fallen to about 30 days from 37, near the IEA’s 23-day critical threshold for some airports.
Jet fuel prices in Europe jumped from $831 a tonne in late February to $1,838 in early April, prompting airlines to cut schedules, raise fares and warn of cancellations.
The UK, importing 65% of its jet fuel, is especially exposed; London and Brussels are preparing slot, compensation and supply measures, while longer-term fixes such as more refining and SAF remain distant.
Is the current fuel crisis a temporary shock or the end of affordable air travel?
Beyond flight prices, how is the Hormuz blockade disrupting global manufacturing and green energy?
With Europe's fuel reserves dwindling, which nations stand to gain from this massive energy shift?
75% of Europe's Jet Fuel Imports Halted by Strait of Hormuz Closure, Sparking Soaring Prices and Flight Cuts
Overview
In February 2026, Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz cut off a vital supply route, causing a severe jet fuel shortage in Europe that relied heavily on Middle Eastern imports. This supply gap led to soaring fuel prices, putting immense pressure on airlines and forcing widespread flight cancellations, especially on short-haul routes. Airlines responded by raising fares and adding fuel surcharges, impacting travelers with fewer options and higher costs. The EU launched coordinated efforts to manage fuel supplies and ease regulations, while global competition for jet fuel intensified. The crisis disrupted global travel and economies, accelerating long-term shifts toward fuel efficiency and energy diversification in aviation.