Will there be a shortage of fuel for planes? The EC reacts to the worst-case scenario

There is no indication of systemic fuel shortages that could lead to mass flight cancellations, European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said on Friday. Some airlines have announced the cancellation of some flights, but according to the European Commission, the market is currently coping well with the tense situation.

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol said on Thursday that Europe has about six weeks of jet fuel supplies, and if oil supplies continue to be blocked as a result of the US and Israel's war with Iran, flights may be canceled in the near future.

Referring to this statement, the EC spokeswoman noted that according to the EU Petroleum Coordination Group, which met on Thursday, there is currently no oil shortage in the EU, but concerns about possible aviation fuel shortages are growing.

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– The reason for concern is the fact that our refineries cover approximately 70%. consumption in the EU and the remainder depends on imports. If the situation in the Strait of Hormuz persists, the EU will prepare to take possible coordinated actions with regard to aviation fuel, Itkonen said.

Referring to the assessment, Birola said that it does not mean that there will be a complete shortage of aviation fuel in the EU after the indicated time. – Aviation fuel is part of the global market and is supported by continuous production, imports and stocks, and aviation fuel refining opportunities also exist in Europe – emphasized the EC spokeswoman.

– So far, however, the market is coping with this tense situation without any shortages – added Itkonen.

Due to rising fuel prices, Dutch airline KLM intends to cancel 160 flights in Europe in the coming month. The German carrier Lufthansa announced that 27 planes belonging to CityLine, its daughter company, will be grounded from Saturday.

– These are decisions of individual airports. There is no indication of systemic fuel shortages that could lead to mass flight cancellations, Itkonen commented.

She recalled that the EU, in accordance with EU law, maintains emergency stocks for 90 days, which can be released if necessary. In the case of crude oil stocks, Member States decide how much of the reserves will be allocated to refined products, including aviation fuels.

From Brussels Magdalena Cedro (PAP)

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