Passengers concerned about the possibility of jet fuel shortages have been reassured that there is ‘no immediate cause for concern.’ Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport Keir Mather confirmed the Government is working with airlines and airports to keep a close eye on fuel levels and pricing.
Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh Liz Jarvis put forward a question to the Secretary of State for Transport. She said: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of jet fuel availability and pricing; what discussions she has had with airlines and industry stakeholders on fuel costs; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of those factors on passenger airfares.”
In a response on April 17, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport Keir Mather said: “The Government is monitoring the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel supplies, including jet fuel. In coordination with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero we have worked with fuel suppliers, airlines and airports to understand levels of jet fuel and pricing.
“There is no immediate cause for concern relating to fuel stocks, and speculation will not help airlines or passengers. Many airlines lock in fuel prices in advance, to help protect tickets from spikes in price. We encourage all airlines to do what they can to ensure tickets remain fairly and appropriately priced for passengers.”
The update comes as Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, the trade body for European airports, previously said: “At this stage, we understand that if the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU. The fact that we are entering the peak summer season… is only adding to those concerns.”
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has also warned of possible disruption. He told Sky News: “Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market.
“We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated.
“We think there is a reasonable risk, some low level, maybe 10% to 25% of our supplies might be at risk through May and June, so like everyone else in this industry, we hope the war ends sooner rather than later. If the war finishes by April and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, then there is almost no risk to supply.”
Following recent developments, several airlines have received passenger queries on social media asking about the risk of fuel shortages, reports the Mirror. However, airlines have told passengers they will be notified of any changes to their bookings.
Last week, a Government spokesperson said: “We continue to engage with British airlines to support their operations against the backdrop of war in the Middle East, and to limit the impact on passengers. Most airlines purchase their aviation fuel in advance to offset price fluctuations, however we are aware of the impact to businesses, and are working with international allies to see a reopening of the Strait as soon as possible.”