The UK’s jet fuel supply chain is coming under increasing pressure as the final visible shipment from the Middle East heads towards British ports, raising concerns about availability for airlines in the coming weeks.
The Financial Times reported that a cargo aboard the Maetiga is expected to arrive from Saudi Arabia this week, with no further UK-bound shipments currently visible due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK has sourced at least half of its jet fuel from the region in recent months, following a shift away from Russian supplies and a decline in domestic refining.
Industry analysts cited by the publication said airlines could begin to feel the impact of constrained supply by the end of April if disruption persists. Benchmark north-west European jet fuel prices have risen to $1,744 per tonne, roughly double prewar levels, reflecting tightening market conditions.
More broadly, industry figures have warned that supply constraints could begin to affect fuel availability within weeks, with rising prices expected to feed through into airfares. While governments have sought to reassure travellers, concerns have been raised about the resilience of supply chains given limited storage capacity and reliance on imports.
The Financial Times noted that Europe relies on the Strait of Hormuz for around 40% of its jet fuel, while the number of cargoes bound for the UK has dropped sharply from typical levels. Alternative supplies are being sourced from regions including west Africa and the US, with a cargo from Nigeria recently arriving at Milford Haven.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. exported 4.5m barrels of kerosene-type jet fuel to the UK in 2025, equivalent to around 577,000 metric tonnes. The UK was the fourth-largest destination for US jet fuel exports after Mexico, Canada and Panama, accounting for 5% of total US exports during the year.
Meanwhile, Airline Economics approached a number of Europe’s leading airports on March 30 to enquire about their jet fuel stocks and a major energy company, but did not receive any response.
The UK government said shipments are continuing to arrive from a range of countries, including the US, India and the Netherlands, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has convened industry leaders to assess the situation.