While saying there is no evidence of "actual shortages" currently, EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said stocks were "under pressure" in parts of Europe, and the bloc needed to be prepared.
"We are working on securing an alternative jet fuel supply for Europe, such as type-A jet fuel produced in the United States," Tzitzikostas said at a press conference after video talks between EU transport ministers.
Type-A is primarily used in the United States due to differences in standards and compatibility issues with aeronautical infrastructure.
The European Commission is "assessing" how the fuel could be used in Europe, Tzitzikostas said.
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has sent energy prices soaring and threatened supplies of jet fuel across the globe.
About 20 percent of aviation fuel consumed in the 27-nation EU relies on imports via Hormuz, according to the European Commission.
"Europe maintains emergency stocks. These stocks can be and will be released only if necessary. At this stage, however, the market is managing the pressure, and there is no evidence of actual shortages," Tzitzikostas said.
But Brussels will lay out a series of measures to deal with the crisis and its potential protracted effects on Wednesday, he added.
They include guidance on "flexibilities" allowed by current rules on the handling of airport slots and of anti-tankering -- provisions limiting how much fuel a plane can uplift.
Guidance on passenger rights and public service obligations are also planned.
Source: The Local Italy
