New Delhi, April 17: International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol has warned that Europe could face significant air travel disruptions due to a looming jet fuel shortage, as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
Birol said Europe may have “only maybe six weeks” of jet fuel left, with flight cancellations likely if supply disruptions persist. The IEA noted that stocks could reach critical levels by June unless at least half of Middle East imports are replaced.
The crisis stems from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies, following escalating tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel. The disruption has already driven up prices and strained global aviation fuel markets.
According to the IEA, Gulf exports are a primary source of jet fuel globally, while major refining hubs such as India, China and South Korea remain dependent on crude imports from the region, amplifying the supply shock.
Birol described the situation as an unprecedented energy crisis with far-reaching economic consequences, warning of rising inflation and slowing global growth if disruptions continue. He added that developing economies across Asia, Africa and Latin America are likely to bear the brunt initially, before the impact spreads to Europe and the Americas.
The agency also flagged concerns over Iran’s reported “toll” mechanism for vessels in the region, cautioning that such practices could further destabilise global energy trade.
