Europe faces jet fuel shortages amid Iran war disruptions

Europe is facing a significant jet fuel shortage, with supplies estimated to last only about six weeks due to disruptions caused by the ongoing war involving Iran.

The conflict has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil exports from the Gulf region.

Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), warned that flight cancellations could occur soon if oil supplies from the Middle East are not restored in the coming weeks.

He highlighted the urgency of the situation in an interview, noting the potential for immediate impacts on air travel.

The shortage is expected to cause disruptions across European airports and airlines, which typically maintain around six weeks of fuel reserves under normal circumstances.

However, the prolonged conflict has depleted these reserves, and alternative suppliers currently lack the capacity to compensate for the shortfall.

This development is significant as it threatens to exacerbate the global energy crisis already intensified by the Iran war.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused Brent crude oil prices to rise by more than 30% compared to pre-war levels, contributing to increased petrol and gas prices worldwide.

The war began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran at the end of February, leading to retaliatory actions by Iran, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Although a two-week ceasefire was agreed upon recently, efforts to negotiate a lasting peace have so far been unsuccessful, with indirect talks brokered by Pakistan ongoing.

The IEA's warnings align with concerns raised by Airports Council International Europe, which indicated that the European Union could face jet fuel shortages within three weeks.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of global energy supplies to geopolitical conflicts.

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