Saudi Arabia is expected to ship more jet fuel to Europe this month than when the Strait of Hormuz opened, according to data from ship trackers Kpler and Vortexa, underscoring the importance of Saudi Arabia increasing exports through the Red Sea. Kpler data showed that the EU and UK imported 118,000 barrels per day of jet fuel from the Saudi Red Sea port of Yanbu in the first week of June, the highest level since August 2025. Vortexa had previously estimated imports at 140,000 barrels per day.
Kpler data also showed that the highest monthly value of Saudi aviation fuel exports to Europe this year was 77,000 barrels per day in January.
According to Kpler data, in 2025, the aviation fuel transported from the Middle East to Europe through the Strait of Hormuz will average about 300,000 barrels per day, making it Europe's main source of aviation fuel supply. European imports totaled an average of 550,000 barrels per day and also included imports from India, Nigeria and the United States.
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed due to the Iran war, Saudi Arabia has instead increased exports through the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
If these exports are sustained, they will help Europe fill the jet fuel import gap and further illustrate the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on global jet fuel trade flows.
Europe has also increased its jet fuel imports from the United States and Nigeria, which averaged about 200,000 barrels per day in May.
The International Energy Agency has previously said that Europe may start to see some jet fuel arrivals in June, but European airlines have downplayed concerns about summer fuel shortages.