Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, on behalf of the European Commission, has stated that there is currently no fuel shortage in the EU and the market is stable, in a written answer on 12 June 2026 to a parliamentary question by S&D MEP Yannis Maniatis. The answer outlines preparatory measures to prevent supply disruptions amid the war in Iran, which has disrupted global fuel supply chains. The Commission is conducting an EU-wide assessment, preparing for coordinated emergency stock releases via the Oil Coordination Group, and maximising refinery output as per the AccelerateEU communication. It also offers airlines regulatory flexibility to manage localised supply tightness without disrupting flights.
The question, submitted on 7 April 2026, raised concerns about aviation fuel shortages affecting European airports, with six Italian airports facing significant problems, and the potential impact on tourism, especially for countries like Greece. The Commission acknowledges that impacts on tourism from higher ticket prices or flight restrictions have been limited so far, but notes a possible tourism substitution effect where European travellers replace long-haul with intra-European short-haul trips, which could involve lower spending and shorter stays. To address the situation, the Commission is setting up a coordinated network of Member States representatives and a crisis coordination industry group to assess impacts on tourism and consider further measures if needed.
The answer is largely declarative, with concrete preparatory steps such as emergency stock release planning and industry coordination, but lacks specific numerical targets or deadlines. The policy orientation is towards preparedness and flexibility, aiming to maintain market stability and minimise disruption to air travel and tourism. Institutional follow-up includes continued monitoring and potential activation of emergency measures through the Oil Coordination Group and industry groups, with further action conditional on evolving supply conditions.