Greek MEP Elena Kountoura (The Left) has asked the European Commission to assess the risk of aviation fuel shortages across the EU, citing warnings from the International Energy Agency and Airports Council International Europe that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could leave Europe with only weeks of jet fuel. The written question, submitted on 17 April 2026, targets the impact on the upcoming summer tourist season and connectivity for island and remote regions.
Kountoura's question references an IEA warning that Europe has 'maybe six weeks or so of jet fuel left' and an Airports Council International Europe alert that a systemic shortage could hit within three weeks if Strait of Hormuz traffic is not restored. She notes that around 40% of global aviation fuel passes through the strait, which has seen near-complete standstill since the war's outbreak on 28 February.
The MEP asks the Commission to confirm the assessment, outline measures to prevent disruptions to the aviation network, safeguard passenger rights in case of cancellations or price hikes, and ensure connectivity for tourist destinations and island areas. The question includes concrete references to Greece's high tourism dependency.
Kountoura pushes for EU-level emergency planning and consumer protection, signalling concern that market forces alone may not guarantee supply or affordability. The question implies a need for coordinated intervention, possibly including fuel reserves, rationing, or price caps.
The Commission must reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will reveal whether it shares the urgency, has contingency plans, or views the risk as manageable through existing mechanisms.