South Korea Jet Fuel Exports Rebound in May but Remain Below Pre-War Levels

U.S. West Coast. The country likely exported the highest volumes of jet fuel since August 2025.

Reuters compiled the export data from trade sources and energy flow tracking firms Vortexa and Kpler. 46 million barrels of jet fuel during the month, a major rebound from March and April when refiners were caught off-guard by the crisis in the Middle East.

Crude supply into South Korea has risen in recent weeks from non-Middle Eastern sources and releases of strategic reserves, though volumes remain below pre-war averages.

Refiners responded by raising run rates and directing more output toward jet fuel, the most stressed barrel in the current supply situation. Kpler data showed South Korean kerosene shipments rose 36 percent in May from April, when exports reached a one-year low.

South Korean kerosene has accounted for about 30 percent of Asia Pacific jet fuel imports year to date, up from a 23 percent share for full-year 2025.

Ivan Mathews, Head of APAC Analysis at Vortexa, said in early May that a rebound in Northeast Asia’s jet fuel exports would be led by South Korea. He added that the country could raise refinery utilization as crude arrivals recover to about 80 percent of pre-war levels in May.

“Coupled with favourable jet/kero cracks, margin-oriented refineries in South Korea are expected to increase exports over the coming weeks,” Mathews said.