Germany has stepped up oversight of its jet fuel market as the fallout from the Iran war continues to ripple through global energy systems, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said on Tuesday at a trade fair in Hanover.
Reiche reassured that fuel supplies remain stable, noting that domestic refineries are adjusting output to meet rising demand, though authorities are closely tracking developments.
Her comments follow a meeting of Germany’s national security council on Monday, where officials agreed to establish a dedicated committee to monitor energy supplies more closely.
The conflict-linked disruption has triggered what officials describe as the most severe strain on global energy flows in recent history, raising concerns over economic growth and business confidence in Europe’s largest economy.
Across the region, airlines and regulators have warned that prolonged supply bottlenecks tied to Middle East tensions could lead to flight cancellations and summer travel disruptions.
An EU spokesperson said the bloc could consider coordinating a release of strategic jet fuel reserves if shortages begin to materialize.
Industry representatives, however, say the immediate challenge is not availability but soaring costs.
Joachim Lang, head of Germany’s aviation association (BDL), said jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the conflict began.
He added that such volatility is forcing airlines to revise operational and financial plans, as current pricing levels are unsustainable.
The situation underscores mounting pressure on Europe’s aviation sector as it navigates geopolitical shocks and rising energy costs.