Newsroom
European officials have pushed back against claims that aviation fuel supplies across the EU could run out within six weeks, calling such reports misleading.
Speaking in Nicosia on Friday after an informal gathering of EU tourism ministers, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said the situation is under control despite pressure on supply chains linked to the Middle East conflict. He explained that while the market is experiencing strain, there are no signs of widespread shortages that would disrupt flights across Europe.
Tzitzikostas described jet fuel as part of a global supply system that continues to function, noting that Europe has strong refining capabilities. He added that authorities are keeping a close watch on market conditions and that emergency reserves required under EU legislation are available if needed, with any release coordinated alongside industry partners.
He acknowledged that rising fuel costs are already affecting the aviation sector. Higher prices are expected to push up ticket costs, which could reduce demand for travel. Some airlines in Europe have already dropped certain routes, particularly those that were not financially sustainable even before fuel prices increased.
Addressing the broader energy situation, Tzitzikostas said a return to pre-war conditions would depend on ending the conflict and restarting negotiations in the Middle East, including reopening key transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. He reiterated the EU’s support for renewed diplomatic efforts.
The Commissioner also stressed that officials are reviewing developments daily in consultation with industry stakeholders and are preparing for different possible outcomes. The issue has already been discussed at a recent meeting of the European Commission’s College and will be revisited again soon.
Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, who chaired the meeting, said the Cypriot government will continue assessing the situation. He described the challenges as a shared European concern that requires coordinated action to protect both the tourism sector and national economies.
Cyprus currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, a six-month term that began on January 1, 2026, as part of a trio arrangement with Poland and Denmark.
