South Korea Escalates Jet Fuel Exports to Nine-Month Peak

Refiners processed between 8.67 million and 9.46 million barrels of jet fuel last month, signaling a sharp reversal from the production dips observed in March and April. The shift follows a stabilization in crude arrivals, which, while still trailing pre-conflict averages, have been bolstered by non-Middle Eastern supply chains and strategic reserve releases. By prioritizing jet fuel, refineries are capitalizing on high global premiums and strong demand across the Asia-Pacific region.

Kpler data indicates that kerosene shipments jumped 36% compared to April’s one-year low. South Korean product now accounts for 30% of total Asia-Pacific jet fuel imports year-to-date, a notable climb from the 23% share recorded throughout 2025. Ivan Mathews, head of APAC analysis at Vortexa, noted earlier this month that margin-oriented facilities were well-positioned to lead this export recovery as refinery utilization rates climbed toward 80% of pre-war levels.