The UK faces mounting pressure on jet fuel supplies as the final tanker from the Middle East is set to dock this week, highlighting the growing impact of the Iran war on aviation. The Libyan-flagged Maetiga vessel, carrying jet fuel from Saudi Arabia, is expected to arrive around Thursday, according to data providers Kpler and Vortexa.

With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, no other Middle Eastern cargoes are visible en route to the UK. The country has sourced at least half its jet fuel from the region since cutting ties with Russian suppliers after the Ukraine invasion. Industry analysts warn airlines could face shortages by late April if supply constraints persist, with north-west European jet fuel prices hitting $1,744 per tonne — roughly double prewar levels.

European buyers are scrambling to secure alternative supplies from West Africa and the US as the crisis deepens. A cargo from Nigeria arrived at Milford Haven Monday, and US exports to Europe have increased in recent weeks. While government officials maintain supplies are stable, industry voices describe the disruption as "quite a mess," with higher prices expected to ripple through the entire supply chain.