State gas reserves will be extended for 240 million euros

Pleasing stocks

Hattmannsdorfer sees Austria on the right track when it comes to filling levels. The gas storage facilities are back after the harsh winter of 2025/26 to 54 percent full. At Kerosene and dieselwhich were particularly in short supply due to the Iran war, the minister reported “very encouraging” stocks. In May, the inventory level for kerosene rose by 56.6 percent compared to April, and for diesel by 36 percent.

The ministry no longer expects a shortage of diesel and kerosene

In mid-April, Hattmannsdorfer had forecast a diesel and kerosene shortage for May, but this did not materialize. The ministry is now saying that there is no expected shortage of either diesel or kerosene in Austria.

Europe’s refineries in “Max Jet mode” according to Shell

According to Shell, refineries in Europe have increased following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz adjusted their production in order to be able to produce as much kerosene (Jet A-1) as possible. “It’s clear: every refinery in Europe is running in so-called ‘Max Jet mode’,” said Shell manager Frans Everts in Rotterdam in April.

The US attack on Iran, which then blocked the strait south of the country, led to Europe’s second energy crisis in four years. The result was once again high prices for gasoline, diesel and natural gas. The strategic reserve for natural gas was 2022 introduced after the Russian attack on Ukraine. The amount of 20 terawatt hours (TWh) is enough for up to two winter months.