FROM PAGE B4

A commission source said some countries, such as Ireland, are more at risk due to a lack of refining capacity, while others, including Finland, appear better prepared.

The same source also voiced concern some airlines may be using the crisis as an opportunity to drop unprofitable routes.

WHAT HAS THE EU ANNOUNCED?

The commission on Friday clarified the rules for governments and airlines on which existing tools can be deployed to ensure jet fuel is used as efficiently as possible and at the lowest possible cost.

It also eased rules restricting “tankering”, the practice of aircraft carrying more fuel than necessary to avoid buying more expensive fuel at other airports.

And Brussels confirmed there would be temporary flexibility on airport slots to prevent airlines that exceptionally give up slots because of high fuel costs from being penalised in future slot allocations.