Europe may encounter a renewed shortage of jet fuel in the upcoming months as regional inventories remain low despite a surge in imports from Asia and other sources. Jet fuel stocks in the key hubs of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp recently plummeted to their lowest levels in seven years, according to data for the week ending September 10.
Analysts are estimating a potential deficit of approximately 510,000 barrels per day of jet fuel in Europe during the fourth quarter of this year, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to supply disruptions. The Swedish Energy Agency has reported that while supplies of gasoline and diesel remain stable, aviation fuel could experience short-term supply constraints across Europe and in Sweden specifically.
In response to these challenges, Europe has substantially increased its jet fuel imports from Asia, which have risen to about 129,000 barrels per day in September. Additional supplies from countries like Canada, Nigeria, and the United States have also contributed to mitigating the risk of immediate shortages, providing some relief to the strained market.
However, ongoing disruptions in global energy markets linked to conflicts in the Middle East are exacerbating pressure on oil and fuel supplies. Recent attacks affecting Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure have played a significant role in driving up oil and gas prices in Europe, further complicating the supply situation.