Why jet fuel shortages are ‘unlikely’ despite the EU’s warning

WorldBusiness & Finance
27 Apr 2026 • 11:10 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why jet fuel shortages are ‘unlikely’ despite the EU’s warning

  • József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, expressed doubt that European airports would run out of jet fuel, despite repeated warnings from European officials about dwindling supplies.
  • Váradi explained that the current high price of jet fuel, over twice its pre-conflict level at $1,500 a metric tonne, creates significant incentive for creative solutions, such as tankers transporting fuel from the United States to Europe.
  • In contrast to Váradi's confidence, the leaders of rival airlines Ryanair and easyJet have indicated they have limited visibility regarding fuel supplies for the upcoming peak summer season.
  • Should fuel shortages materialise, Váradi predicted a 'mess' that would require meticulous, location-by-location management, similar to how different countries handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • He suggested solutions like 'tankering' – aircraft carrying extra fuel for return journeys – and anticipated that sustained high fuel prices would lead to a significant reduction in airline capacity during September and October.

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