BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - ACI Europe, the trade association for European airports, has expressed grave concerns regarding jet fuel supplies following the energy crisis triggered by the conflict involving Iran. In a letter to the European Commission seen by Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Director General Olivier Jankovec warned that if transit through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume on a "significant and stable scale" within the next three weeks, a shortage of aviation fuel in the EU is likely to become a reality. Other media outlets had previously reported on the matter.
Jankovec further urged the EU to prioritize the availability and stable supply of jet fuel, noting that any shortage would inevitably restrict air connectivity and cause substantial damage to the European economy. "The fact that we are entering the peak summer season - during which air transport enables the entire tourism ecosystem upon which many Member States' economies depend - further amplifies these concerns," he stated.
The Director General is calling for the Commission to implement EU-wide monitoring and oversight of current and future jet fuel availability relative to demand, noting that such an overview does not currently exist. Furthermore, he requested that the Brussels-based authority explore options such as joint kerosene procurement and the temporary suspension of restrictions and regulatory requirements that limit the import of aviation fuel.
Following a meeting of the EU Oil Coordination Group on Wednesday, officials stated that there is currently no risk to the European Union's security of supply, and none is expected for the month of April./rdz/DP/zb
