Europe has been ramping up jet fuel imports from the United States and Asia, yet escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to fuel uncertainty across energy markets. According to calculations by Reuters, European jet fuel reserves currently cover fewer than 30 days of consumption — making Europe the most tightly supplied major jet fuel market in the world.
Read also: Jet fuel shortages incoming: What rising prices mean for summer holidays in Greece (Video)
What the data reveals about jet fuel supplies
According to data from Energy Aspects, Europe is projected to face a deficit of nearly 600,000 barrels of jet fuel per day in the third quarter of 2026. By contrast, the United States is forecast to record a surplus of 116,000 barrels per day, while the Asia-Pacific region is expected to post a surplus of 425,000 barrels per day.
Reuters data confirms that European reserves are sufficient for fewer than 30 days of consumption. Meanwhile, figures from the International Energy Agency (IEA) show that at the end of May, jet fuel stockpiles were up 10% year-on-year, with refinery output having surged by 30%. Despite these gains, available reserves still amount to roughly one month of consumption.
What this means for airline ticket prices
Immediate reductions in airfare prices are unlikely, according to analyst estimates, as demand remains strong and capacity is limited — particularly after many carriers have already cut flights in order to extend their fuel reserves for as long as possible.
