The European Commission's crisis guidance on possible jet fuel shortages leaves the EU's sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) framework unchanged, despite market suggestions that energy security concerns could prompt rule changes.
The EU response focused on operational issues not related to SAF, such as fuel uplift rules and airport slot use. The guidance largely reiterated existing aviation rules and set out how they should be applied if fuel shortages linked to the Middle East conflict intensify, allowing limited flexibility in cases of genuine shortages while making clear that most rules remain unchanged.
SAF was absent from the guidance, with no mention of raising or cutting the EU's 2pc SAF mandate.
Some industry participants had suggested the commission might have encouraged greater SAF use as a substitute for fossil jet fuel. EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said last month that increasing the uptake of biofuels could substitute fossil fuels to ease market pressure.
Other participants said the EU could relax SAF mandates to reduce costs, similar to Singapore's decision to postpone the start of its SAF scheme.
Airlines association Airlines for Europe recently urged the EU to increase rebates for SAF costs and temporarily relax ReFuelEU's anti-tankering obligations, which are designed to prevent airlines from carrying excess fuel from cheaper locations.
But the guidance confirmed that the 90pc fuel uplift rule under ReFuelEU Aviation still applies. Exemptions are only allowed in limited safety cases, such as when an airport has a confirmed jet fuel shortage and airlines need to carry extra fuel. Airlines have to prove this with official notices or supplier confirmation, and higher fuel prices or SAF costs do not count as valid reasons. As a result, the guidance is not expected to trigger widespread tankering away from EU airports.
