Europe has reportedly less than one month’s supply of jet fuel on hand, as tensions involving Iran continue to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

While airlines have so far avoided major shortages by increasing imports, boosting refinery production and drawing down inventories, industry analysts say Europe remains more exposed than North America and Asia because it relies more heavily on imported aviation fuel.

June jet fuel imports climbed to their highest level since September 2025, with supplies arriving from countries including the United States, Canada, India, South Korea, Nigeria and Kuwait. Despite those efforts, Europe’s supply-and-demand balance remains tighter than that of North America and Asia. Britain, France and Germany are among the countries considered most vulnerable after decades of refinery closures increased Europe’s reliance on imported jet fuel.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, carrying about one-fifth of global seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas. Any prolonged disruption could tighten fuel supplies and increase costs for airlines during the busy summer travel season.

According to energy consultancy Energy Aspects, Europe could face a jet fuel supply deficit of nearly 600,000 barrels per day during the third quarter, while the United States and Asia-Pacific are expected to maintain supply surpluses.

At the beginning of June, Europe’s jet fuel inventories totalled about 38 million barrels, representing less than 30 days of demand. By comparison, U.S. stockpiles exceeded 99 million barrels.

To strengthen supply, European refiners have increased production and diversified import sources. Italy, for example, increased jet fuel output by approximately 10 percent during the first four months of the year, while Kuwait is expected to resume shipments to Europe in August after deliveries were interrupted earlier this year.

The European Commission has also indicated it is prepared to coordinate releases from national fuel reserves if necessary to help stabilize supplies across member states.

For now, Europe has managed to avoid a major supply shortfall. However, analysts warn that any significant disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could quickly tighten global fuel markets, creating fresh challenges for airlines during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.