One Ship Left, Then Nothing
The last known jet fuel cargo from the Middle East to the UK is set to dock this Thursday. It’s the Libyan-flagged Maetiga, carrying jet fuel from Saudi Arabia and currently off Portugal’s coast. After that, no other UK-bound shipments from the region are visible out at sea.
UK’s Fuel Lifeline Through Hormuz Snapped
The UK ditched Russian jet fuel supplies, switching to deliveries via the Strait of Hormuz. But that key route is now effectively shut. Europe relies on Hormuz for around 40% of its jet fuel, leaving the UK particularly vulnerable—not just from direct imports, but also fuel routed through the Netherlands and Belgium.
Weeks, Not Months, Before Airlines Feel the Squeeze
The maths is simple. Once the Maetiga docks, if no fresh shipments appear, airlines have just weeks before they face serious fuel shortages. The government says travellers shouldn’t panic just yet. But past experience shows that’s precisely when the scramble begins.
