-- Europe is preparing a coordinated response to potential constraints on jet fuel supply amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, the European Commission said on Thursday.
The bloc's Oil Coordination Group, which includes experts from the Commission, EU member states, and the Energy Community secretariat, met to assess Europe's oil supply security and discuss contingency measures in case disruptions persist.
Though officials said there are no fuel shortages in the EU, they warned that regional supply constraints could emerge in the coming weeks if disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are not resolved.
The group discussed coordination mechanisms that could be activated if the situation extends beyond the end of May, including the possible release of EU emergency oil stocks.
EU officials emphasized that any such releases would need to be closely coordinated at the EU level and paired with demand-side measures to ensure effectiveness.
The Commission is expected to issue guidance to airline operators on Thursday clarifying regulatory flexibilities related to airport slots and fuel types, which could support contingency planning in the aviation sector.