Italy could face problems in the supply of aviation fuel until next summer if international tensions persist in the Middle East. Data gathered by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security highlights the extent of these potential risks. The analysis reveals that Italy imports more than half of the aviation fuel it needs, with 20% of these imports coming from countries directly affected by a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
National aviation fuel consumption is 5.1 million tonnes, with a monthly demand of approximately 400,000 tonnes; consumption patterns show a decline in the winter months – up to 29% below average in February – and an increase during the summer, peaking at 26% above average in July.
Consequently, more than 50% of the jet fuel needed to meet domestic demand (2.6 million tonnes) needs to be imported, and about 20% of these imports (0.5 million tonnes, which is equivalent to 10% of domestic demand) come from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Almost all other imports come from countries that do not produce their own crude oil; therefore, these nations could also be affected by disruptions in the supply of crude oil from Arab countries when producing jet fuel. Imports from Libya and Angola are exceptions, although they represent only 5% of the total.
