The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has directly impacted Europe's supply of transport fuels. From January 2023 to February 2026, approximately 30% of Europe's seaborne jet fuel and diesel imports from outside regions originated from the Middle East Gulf. Additionally, 10% of its seaborne crude and condensate imports also came from this area.
Despite this substantial reliance, Europe's overall transport fuel supply has shown resilience. However, the ongoing situation highlights the inherent vulnerabilities in the region's energy supply chain.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this situation implies potential for increased bunker prices and supply chain disruptions, particularly for vessels reliant on specific fuel types. Diversification of sourcing and contingency planning for alternative routes or fuel types may become more critical. The long-term stability of fuel costs and availability could be affected, influencing operational budgets and transit times.