South Korea Jet Fuel Exports Rebound to Pre-War Levels
South Korean refiners increased jet fuel exports to as much as 1.2 million tons in May as crude imports recovered to eighty percent of pre-disruption levels. This supply rebound helped reduce regional spot premiums by fifty percent and eased concerns over tight aviation fuel availability.
South Korea increased jet fuel exports to 1.2 million tons in May, returning to levels seen before the conflict between Israel and Iran. Shipments surged 36% from April as a recovery in crude imports allowed South Korea to capitalize on robust margins. The supply influx has cooled regional markets, with spot premiums for aviation fuel dropping 50% to $2 a barrel over the last two weeks.
### Why Regional Fuel Supply Is Easing The rebound in South Korean exports has eased concerns over tight supply in the Asia Pacific. Data from Kpler shows the country accounted for 30% of the region's jet fuel imports so far this year, up from 23% in 2025. This volume increase follows a record high premium of $20 in March, signaling a normalization of trade flows.
