The European Union has adequate fuel reserves to meet the needs of airports and aircraft in the coming period, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said from Nicosia following the conclusion of Council proceedings.

He clarified that there is no issue of shortages in the coming weeks, despite concerns raised due to the crisis in the Middle East, while noting that the EU is preparing for all possible scenarios.

During the press conference after the Council meeting, Tzitzikostas was asked about fuel reserves for aircraft and airports across the EU in light of the Middle East crisis. He stated:

“The EU has sufficient fuel quantities for airports and aircraft in the near term, and reports of shortages in the coming weeks are not accurate. However, we are preparing for the possibility that supply shortages in aviation fuel could arise if the crisis in the Middle East continues for an extended period. The European Commission’s Oil Coordination Group met yesterday to discuss this issue, as fuel availability remains a top priority for all of us.

EU refineries cover approximately 70% of Europe’s total consumption, with the remaining 30% coming from imports. It is clear, however, that if the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz persists for a prolonged period, the EU will be ready to proceed with a coordinated release of fuel reserves for airports and aircraft.

We maintain emergency reserves, which will only be released if necessary. So far, we are managing the situation without shortages. There have also been no flight cancellations at this stage due to a lack of fuel. Any cancellations announced so far by European airlines are related to high fuel costs, not shortages.

In any case, the EU will continue to closely monitor fuel supply, in cooperation with industry and the aviation sector, as well as ensure the uninterrupted protection of air passenger rights.”