EU to clarify airport refuelling rules as jet-fuel shortages loom
The European Union is preparing guidance on whether airlines can use US-standard Jet A fuel and whether anti-tankering rules can be relaxed as jet-fuel shortages loom.
The move is due after a Thursday meeting of the bloc's weekly oil coordination group.
Jet fuel is trading above $1,500 per tonne in Europe, up from $830 per tonne before the Iran war.
The guidance is expected to clarify whether aircraft can carry more fuel on board and whether imports of US Jet A fuel could be permitted to ease supply pressures.
The rules under discussion were introduced through ReFuelEU last year and require airlines to refuel at EU airports rather than carry excess cheaper fuel from elsewhere.
Suspending them could lower costs for airlines, but it could also raise emissions and reduce business for airports.
The issue matters now because the Commission and member states are weighing how to respond to tighter supply conditions without disrupting aviation operations.
The question of fuel availability has become more urgent as prices have risen sharply.
Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said on Monday that Brussels has a "full overview" of the strategic fuel stocks of member states.
