The EU unveiled on Wednesday plans to address the energy crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East, including improved monitoring of jet fuel supplies as the prospect of shortages rattles Europe ahead of the summer travel season. Rather than any flagship measures, Brussels outlined recommendations for member states and initiatives to be presented as part of what the European Commission called a “toolbox” to help navigate current and future straits.
Here are some of the steps that EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said “will bring both immediate and more structural relief measures to European citizens and businesses”. The commission said it would establish a “fuel observatory” to track EU production, imports, exports and stock levels of transport fuels.
While Brussels has said there is currently no evidence of “actual shortages”, focus will initially be on aviation fuels. The commission will coordinate with member states, fuel suppliers, airports and airlines on the sourcing of alternative jet fuel supply and propose measures to optimise its distribution across the bloc to ensure availability.
READ ALSO: EU’s Jet Fuel Import From Nigeria Surges In April About 20 percent of jet fuel consumed in the 27-nation EU relies on imports via the Strait of Hormuz that has been effectively closed by the war. Next month the EU will also issue guidance on “flexibilities” allowed by current rules on the handling of airport slots and of anti-tankering — provisions limiting how much fuel a plane can take off with — as well as public service obligations.
EU transport chief Apostolos Tzitzikostas said Tuesday that Brussels was also considering importing more jet fuel from the US and requiring member states to hold minimum reserves. The EU said it would coordinate both gas storage filling to avoid price hikes and, as for jet fuels, any possible oil stock releases that might become necessary.
It suggested that nations consider filling gas tanks a little less than usual, up to 80 percent of capacity rather than 90 percent, and added that it could further lower the threshold to 75 percent if needed.