The European Union is drafting plans to tackle a looming jet fuel supply crunch and maximise refinery output, officials said, reports Reuters.

European airlines have warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks as a result of the Iran war, disrupting travel ahead of summer.

Europe is more dependent on jet fuel imports, with some 75 per cent from the Middle East, than for any other transport fuel.

From next month, the European Commission will introduce EU-wide mapping of refining capacity for oil products and introduce measures “to ensure that existing refining capacity is fully utilised and maintained”, a draft proposal seen by Reuters said.

The EU is also working on measures targeting jet fuel supply, but those are still in development, officials familiar with the proposals said.

The Commission declined to comment on the draft plans, which are due to be published on April 22.