Back to Headlines
Business
Apr 29, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

UK Refineries Asked to Maximize Jet Fuel Production Amid Supply Fears

AI Summary
The UK government has asked refineries to maximize jet fuel production due to supply fears amid the Iran war. This move aims to prevent potential disruptions to air travel. The country's refineries have been impacted by the conflict, with global jet fuel shipments falling to a record low.

The UK's Jet Fuel Supply Crisis

British refineries have been asked to maximise jet fuel supply as part of government contingency planning, amid growing fears the Iran war will force planes to be grounded.

Government Response and Monitoring

Energy minister Michael Shanks said the government is closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and working with airlines, airports, fuel suppliers and other governments, as carriers face rocketing fuel costs as a result of the conflict.

Impact of the Iran War on Fuel Supply

Normal flows of fossil fuels from the Gulf have effectively been at a standstill since the war broke out, after the de facto closure of the important shipping channel, the strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows.

Current Status of UK Refineries

There are now only four remaining refineries in the UK, after closures at the Grangemouth and Lindsey refineries in 2025. The remaining UK refineries are: Fawley in Hampshire owned by ExxonMobil; Humber in Lincolnshire owned by Phillips 66; Valero’s Pembroke refinery in Wales; and Essar’s Stanlow site in Essex.

Global Jet Fuel Shipments

It came as global jet fuel shipments fell to the lowest recorded level last week. Just under 2.3m tonnes of jet fuel and kerosene were transported on ships in the seven days to 26 April, according to initial analysis by data company Kpler, which first began tracking shipments in 2017.

Airline Response and Future Outlook

Airlines have insisted there are now no supply problems expected during their typical four-to-six week horizon, although some carriers have already announced flight cancellations, and have been lobbying for government help amid rising fuel prices and a possible supply crisis.