EU prepares for prolonged fuel crisis, to issue airline guidance

The European Commission is preparing for a prolonged period of instability in fuel markets and plans to issue guidance to airlines as the crisis continues to evolve.

Speaking at a briefing in Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said the bloc is readying for multiple scenarios amid uncertainty over how long the crisis will last.

She stressed that the duration of the crisis cannot be predicted and emphasised the need for preparedness and close coordination with all stakeholders.

According to Itkonen, the Commission maintains a comprehensive overview of fuel reserves across member states and has been holding weekly meetings with them, as well as with the International Energy Agency, since the crisis began. The next meeting of the oil coordination group is scheduled for May 7.

She added that the coordination group has already proposed measures in case the current situation persists over the long term.

The European Commission is expected to present directive recommendations for airlines later this week, covering not only jet fuel supply but also other aspects related to the crisis.

By Tamilla Hasanova