
3 days · 5 summary articles
A global energy crisis driven by Middle East conflicts and supply chain disruptions has pushed fuel prices to historic highs, straining industries and households across Europe.
Jet fuel prices reached a record $194 per barrel, according to the International Air Transport Association, with shortages of 510,000 barrels per day expected at European airports in the fourth quarter, Energy Aspects reported. Before the U.S.-Iran conflict disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, over 30% of Europe’s jet fuel came from Middle Eastern refineries. Now, Europe relies on longer, costlier routes from Algeria, Canada, Nigeria, the U.S., and South Korea, with tankers from the latter taking 35 to 45 days to arrive .
Diesel shortages have also worsened, with Russia’s refining capacity halved by Ukrainian drone strikes and its diesel export ban extended, Bank of America’s Francisco Blanch told EL PAÍS. Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, a key alternative to Hormuz, was shut for over a week after pro-Iran militia attacks, though Reuters reported operations resumed on Sept. 24 .
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen warned member states of a “price crisis linked to a supply crisis” and urged measures to reduce gas and electricity demand, citing pressures from oil and gas market disruptions .
In France, small businesses like a bakery in Saint-Just-en-Chaussée saw heating oil costs rise 50% since late February, squeezing profits and limiting investments. Rural areas, where a third of France’s population lives, face acute pain due to car dependency and limited public transport .
German care services report monthly fuel cost increases of nearly €1,000, with no mechanism to pass costs to patients. Bastian Kadach, owner of Pflegedienst Isarwinkel, called for permanent relief, not temporary discounts .
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