American kerosene and the solution to the jet fuel shortage crisis in Europe
The European Union is currently exploring urgent strategic and contingency options to address jet fuel shortage during the summer holiday season. These options include utilizing American kerosene, given the escalating geopolitical tensions that are casting a shadow over energy security in Europe and threatening global supply chains.
The historical context of European energy security
Historically, Europe has relied heavily on energy imports to meet the needs of its air transport sector. With the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, European countries were forced to radically restructure their supply chains, abandoning Russian imports of refined products in favor of suppliers from the Middle East and Asia. This strategic shift has made the continent more vulnerable to fluctuations in vital waterways. Before the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 20% of the kerosene consumed in Europe passed through this strategic waterway, highlighting the fragility of Europe's position in the face of any sudden geopolitical shocks.
Geopolitical repercussions trigger jet fuel shortage crisis
Ongoing tensions, including fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, have led to a sharp rise in fuel prices. This situation has raised serious concerns about potential supply shortages during the peak travel season. In this context, Dan Jorgensen, the EU's Energy Commissioner, stated that a prolonged crisis could lead to real security of supply problems, although he emphasized that the 27-member bloc is not currently facing a severe shortage, but rather challenges related to rising costs.
Economic impact and global tourism movement
This crisis has far-reaching dimensions and impacts at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally and regionally, the increased costs have led several airlines, particularly budget carriers, to cancel or reroute flights to avoid losses, threatening the summer tourism sector, on which the economies of southern European countries heavily rely. Internationally, this event reinforces the United States' position as a reliable energy supplier to Europe and is reshaping the global oil trade landscape. It is also putting pressure on airlines to raise ticket prices, directly impacting the budgets of travelers worldwide.
Could American “Jet A” kerosene be the solution?
As an alternative, attention is turning to the American jet fuel Jet A. This type differs from the Jet A-1 fuel currently used in Europe and the rest of the world, as it has a higher freezing point, making it less resistant to the extremely low temperatures during long-haul flights. For technical reasons, its use is not currently permitted in Europe. However, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is expected to issue new guidelines to assess the suitability of using this alternative fuel, which will require regulatory and logistical adjustments that may take some time.
European observatory for tracking strategic stockpiles
To manage the situation, the European Commission announced the creation of a fuel observatory to track production, imports, exports, and stock levels. European legislation requires member states to maintain oil reserves equivalent to 90 days of imports, but it does not clearly differentiate between refined products such as gasoline and jet fuel. Brussels is working to clarify the tools available to governments to rationalize consumption, such as managing aircraft loads, relaxing over-refueling rules to avoid high prices, and introducing flexibility in takeoff and landing schedules.
Towards a sustainable future for aviation
Experts, including aviation specialist Matteo Merlo, believe the current problem is primarily economic, but it serves as a wake-up call. In the long term, Brussels emphasizes the need to accelerate the development of non-fossil, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). This crisis should push countries to invest heavily in sustainable alternatives for civil and military aviation, not only to protect the climate and reduce carbon emissions, but also to achieve true energy sovereignty and independence from the volatility of global markets.
