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Europe could see jet fuel shortage by June, IEA says 

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on April 14, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Europe could see jet fuel shortage by June, IEA says 
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LONDON, April 14 (Reuters) - Europe could start seeing physical shortages of jet fuel by June due to the Iran war if the region is only able to replace half of the fuel supplies it normally gets from

IEA Warns of Possible Jet Fuel Shortage in Europe by June Amid Supply Risks

IEA Report Highlights Jet Fuel Supply Risks for Europe

LONDON, April 14 (Reuters) - Europe could start seeing physical shortages of jet fuel by June due to the Iran war if the region is only able to replace half of the fuel supplies it normally gets from the Middle East, the International Energy Agency said in its monthly report. 

Global jet fuel and kerosene demand averaged 7.8 million barrels per day in 2025, with Gulf exports the largest source to the global market, averaging nearly 400,000 bpd, the report added. 

Key Details from the IEA Report

  • Europe's Dependency on Middle East Jet Fuel

    Europe has the highest dependency on jet fuel from the Middle East, with the region supplying nearly 375,000 bpd, or 75%, of Europe's net jet fuel imports.

  • Variations in Stockpiled Fuel Across Europe

    Within Europe, levels of stockpiled fuel vary from country to country. Spain, with plentiful stocks, is a net exporter of jet fuel, while Britain, which is also the region’s largest consumer, imports 65% of its demand.

  • Potential Scenarios for Jet Fuel Replacement

    Full Replacement of Middle East Imports

    If Europe manages to replace all of its Middle East imports and volumes, jet fuel stocks will adequately cover the IEA's assessment of 2026 demand.

    Risks of Stock Levels Falling Below Critical Thresholds

    If stocks of jet fuel in Europe were to drop below 23 days of demand cover, physical shortages and demand destruction would emerge at select airports. Europe's stocks have not dropped below 29 days' cover since 2020.

    Partial Replacement Scenarios

    If Europe is only able to replace 75% of its Middle East volumes, there would be insufficient inventory to meet demand in summer months and stocks would drop below the 23-day level by August. But if only 50% of the supply is replaceable, then stocks will hit the 23-day level in June. 

(Reporting by Seher Dareen in London, editing by Alex Lawler and xx)

Key Takeaways

  • Europe heavily relies—about 75%—on Middle East jet fuel, making it vulnerable if replacements falter.
  • IEA projects global jet fuel/kerosene demand in 2025 at roughly 7.7–7.8 million bpd.
  • If only 50% of Middle East supply is replaced, Europe’s inventories could fall below 23‑day demand cover by June, risking physical shortages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why could Europe face a jet fuel shortage by June?
Europe may face a jet fuel shortage by June if it can only replace half of its usual Middle East supply due to disruptions linked to the Iran war.
How dependent is Europe on Middle East jet fuel imports?
Europe relies on the Middle East for about 75% of its net jet fuel imports, with nearly 375,000 barrels per day supplied.
What happens if Europe cannot fully replace Middle East fuel imports?
If only half can be replaced, jet fuel stocks may fall below 23 days of demand by June, leading to shortages and demand destruction at some airports.
Which European countries have the most and least jet fuel stocks?
Spain has plentiful stocks and is a net exporter of jet fuel, while Britain imports 65% of its demand and is the region’s largest consumer.
What is the IEA's minimum safe level of jet fuel stock for Europe?
The IEA considers 23 days of demand coverage as the minimum safe level; stocks below this threshold may cause physical shortages.

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