𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The government is moving to reassure holidaymakers that their summer flights will not be cancelled by the fallout from the Iran war.

Energy minister Michael Shanks said he is working with airlines to maximise the supply of jet fuel and prevent disruptions.

Oil prices topped $125 (£92) on Wednesday, which will affect jet costs if the military fallout continues.

He said: “Airlines UK have stated that ‘UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply’. The government continues to work with partners to monitor and mitigate potential disruptions.”

UK airlines are usually heavily reliant on jet fuel from the Middle East, where most of it is refined.

But there are four remaining refineries in the UK: 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 Cheshire.

These refineries have been asked to maximise supply as part of government planning.

Jet fuel shipments fell to a record low last week, according to data company Kpler.

Airlines insist there is no supply crisis yet, though some flights on less busy routes have been cancelled. Lufthansa has cancelled 20,000 flights between May and October to save fuel.

Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the oil and gas in the world flows, UK airlines have usually bought fuel months in advance to avoid price spikes.

Airlines have been asking the UK government to relax environmental and noise rules to cope with higher costs while the conflict continues.

Airlines UK said: “It is vital that government take the right actions now to ensure the continuation of supply, as well as support the UK aviation industry, which has been impacted by record high jet fuel prices, and that includes providing additional flexibility.”

Ryanair said this week that the risk of a jet fuel shortage is receding.

CEO Michael O’Leary said: “A month ago, we ​were saying ​we’re ​all fine until ‌the end of May. The fuel companies are now saying they’re seeing no supply disruption risk until the ‌end of June.”

Jet2, the holiday operator, said this week that passengers were booking flights later than usual as they watch the impact of the war on prices.

The “booking profile has become increasingly close to departure” due to the Middle East war, said Jet2.