US Jet Fuel Could Ease European Supply Crunch Amid Middle East War

BBC Business reported Thursday that two major international aviation bodies are urging Europe to broaden its acceptance of US-grade jet fuel. The move aims to offset a deepening jet fuel shortage triggered by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Aviation Bodies Sound the Alarm

The International Air Transport Association and the European Aviation Safety Agency have both weighed in on the supply crisis. IATA’s director of flight and technical operations, Stuart Fox, warned publicly that a prolonged Middle East conflict could trigger fuel shortages in several parts of the world within a short timeframe. The European Aviation Safety Agency separately published a safety information bulletin. The document outlines the conditions under which US-produced fuel could be introduced safely into European supply chains.

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Why the Two Fuel Types Differ

Commercial aviation runs on two closely related fuels. Jet A-1 is the internationally dominant grade, while Jet A is the standard across North America. Both are kerosene-based and chemically similar. The key practical difference is freezing point. Jet A-1 remains liquid at lower temperatures, giving it an advantage on ultra-long-haul and polar routing. Fox noted that North American carriers already operate Jet A successfully in extreme cold climates, including parts of Alaska, through the use of fuel additives and careful flight planning.

Background: Gulf Supplies Under Pressure

Europe has traditionally sourced a large share of its Jet A-1 from Gulf refineries. Since hostilities escalated, those shipments have dropped sharply, pushing the price of the fuel up roughly 50% from pre-war levels. Increased transatlantic shipments from the US have partially covered the gap. However, many American refineries are not configured to produce Jet A-1 to international specification, capping how much extra volume can realistically cross the Atlantic.

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Airlines and Regulators Weigh the Risks

EASA stressed that a shift to Jet A would not raise safety concerns if managed carefully. It cautioned, however, that inconsistent fuel grades across airports could increase the risk of unintended mixing. That scenario could push aircraft outside safe operating parameters. British Airways parent IAG said it currently faces no fuel availability issues in its core markets. The group nonetheless flagged that a sustained conflict restricting both crude oil and refined jet fuel flows from the region could tighten global supplies meaningfully.

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