The European Union is prepared to coordinate the release of aircraft fuel reserves if disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continue, an EU spokesperson told Reuters on Friday, despite Iran’s temporary reopening of the key shipping route.
European airlines and regulators have warned of potential flight cancellations, grounded aircraft and disruption to peak summer travel unless difficulties in sourcing jet fuel from the Middle East linked to the conflict in Iran ease soon.
Iran said earlier it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. However, US President Donald Trump later stated that a US naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place until a broader agreement is reached with Tehran.
Supply risks
German container shipping group Hapag-Lloyd said it would continue to avoid transiting the strait while assessing Iran’s announcement.
“There is no shortage of fuel in the EU at present. However, we are preparing for a possible supply shortfall in aircraft fuel,” the EU spokesperson said, adding that the bloc could release reserves if disruption in the strait persists.
“If the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues, the EU will prepare for a possible coordinated release of jet fuel reserves,” the spokesperson added.
The official noted that Iran’s announcement had not changed current contingency planning and said it should become clearer next week whether the strait will remain open.
The comments follow a call earlier this week from Germany’s largest aviation industry lobby group urging the release of Europe’s strategic jet fuel reserves to support the sector.
The EU is also expected to announce plans next week to optimise refinery output and address a looming jet fuel supply crunch, according to Reuters.