Europe faces jet fuel shortage as IEA warns six weeks left
Europe faces jet fuel shortage as IEA warns six weeks left
Europe could run out of jet fuel in six weeks, risking widespread flight cancellations amid supply bottlenecks and Middle East tensions.
Jet fuel reserves across Europe are tightening with a six‑week horizon that could derail summer travel. Fatih Birol, the director of the International Energy Agency, warns that the continent may see widespread flight cancellations if refueling options shrink further. The warning follows a period of disruption tied to conflicts in the Middle East and potential bottlenecks at key supply routes.
Airlines and travel planners are bracing for disruptions to routes within Europe and to global hubs, with some departures likely grounded at short notice if refueling becomes a challenge. Travelers could face delays and higher fares even before peak season fully kicks in.
Disruptions from the Iran conflict have added pressure to a market already strained by supply chain issues. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for Gulf shipments, is described as effectively blocked, pushing up prices and complicating deliveries of jet fuel to European refiners and airports.
Experts warn that developing nations in Asia and Africa could bear the brunt first, with knock-on effects on global growth and inflation that spill into Europe and the Americas. The potential energy crunch could force policymakers to rethink stockpiles and diversify suppliers.
Officials emphasize the need for smarter fuel use, larger strategic reserves, and diversification of suppliers. In the near term, airlines may adjust schedules, optimize routes, and accelerate investment in more efficient aircraft and alternative fuels to keep the skies open.
