19:06 28 April 2026
Europe’s limited fuel supply is disrupting transport and shipping
Europe is facing constrained fuel supply due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with aviation fuel reserves estimated to last about 4 to 5 weeks. Even though governments are lowering retail prices, shortages persist and may raise transport, food costs, and slow economic growth. Before the conflict, the region handled about 20 percent of global seaborne jet fuel trade and 10 percent of diesel. Europe is compensating with imports from the United States, but this is only a temporary fix.
Diesel shortages could impact the broader economy by increasing costs across industries. Strategic reserves cover roughly 90 days of oil imports plus 53 days of production or imports, but supply mismatches remain. Even after reopening, flows may recover slowly, with stabilization expected months later.
