Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, in a written answer on 22 July 2026, sought to reassure Malta that the EU is monitoring jet fuel supply risks but stopped short of suspending the ReFuelEU Aviation anti-tankering rules, which require airlines to uplift 90% of their fuel at departure airports. The answer, responding to a question by Maltese MEP Peter Agius (PPE), stressed that existing flexibilities under the regulation are sufficient for now and that any legislative change would only be proposed if the situation worsens.
a Fuel Observatory established under the AccelerateEU Communication to monitor production, imports, exports and stocks; more frequent meetings of the Oil Coordination Group; and guidance issued on 8 May 2026 clarifying flexibilities in EU aviation law, including fuel uplift obligations, airport slots, passenger rights, and public service obligations. He noted that airports in outermost regions are exempt from the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, but did not extend that exemption to Malta.
The Commissioner acknowledged the specific challenges faced by islands, where air connectivity is essential, and said the Commission would propose temporary legislative changes if existing flexibilities no longer suffice. However, he stated that at present there is no immediate threat to security of supply, although stocks of some fuels are tight. The answer thus offers no immediate relief for Malta, which fears that dependence on fuel availability at European hubs could disrupt its connectivity during shortages. The Commission's position balances the need to maintain the integrity of the single market and the ReFuelEU Aviation's environmental goals against the risk of isolated disruptions, leaving Malta to rely on the existing flexibility provisions for now.