US jet fuel may be used in Europe to ease shortages
An international aviation body has urged Europe to widen acceptance of US-grade jet fuel to counter shortages caused by the Iran war. The decision rests with the EU Aviation Safety Agency and could come before month-end.
The International Air Transport Association has written to the European Commission and EASA, urging that US ASTM D1655-grade jet fuel be admitted to Europe's distribution network. Iran's Hormuz blockade has cut Gulf crude flows to European refiners by 36%, squeezing kerosene stocks at Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Madrid hubs.
Lufthansa and Air France-KLM trimmed June schedules slightly this week, while Ryanair cited fuel costs in its decision to close its base at Thessaloniki. Aviation kerosene swaps in Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp closed today at 1,145 dollars a tonne, 19% above April levels.
If Brussels approves, an additional two million barrels a week could flow from the US Gulf Coast by late May. Environmental groups oppose the move, citing higher sulphur and carbon-intensity baselines; the European Parliament's environment committee will hold an emergency hearing on 18 May.
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