Europe has ‘maybe six weeks of jet fuel left,’ energy chief warns Europe faces a critical jet fuel shortage with possibly only six weeks of supply remaining, according to the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol. The warning comes as the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for jet fuel exports from the Gulf, remains effectively blocked by Iran in response to US and Israeli military actions. Birol told the Associated Press in an exclusive interview that flight cancellations could occur “soon” if oil supplies from the Middle East are not restored in the coming weeks. He stated, “I can share you soon we will hear the news that some of the flights from city A to city B might be cancelled as a result of lack of jet fuel.” The IEA’s monthly oil market report highlights that Gulf region exports are the largest source of jet fuel globally. Europe has historically relied on the Middle East for about 75% of its jet fuel imports. Refineries in other major exporting countries, including Korea, India, and China, are also highly dependent on Middle Eastern crude oil, amplifying the global impact of the disruption. Despite the looming threat, UK officials told the BBC that airlines are currently not seeing disruption to jet fuel supply. Airlines UK, representing the industry, confirmed it is not experiencing supply issues but is in discussions with the government about crucial measures needed to support aviation in the event of future disruption, including reducing regulatory burdens to protect consumers, trade, and competitiveness. KLM, part of the Air France-KLM group, announced it would cut 160 flights in the coming month due to high kerosene costs, though it emphasized there is no kerosene shortage. The airline stated the cancellations affect only a limited number of flights within Europe that are no longer financially viable to operate because of rising fuel prices. KLM expects a busy May holiday period and is ensuring passengers can travel to their destinations as planned. The US-Israel war on Iran, which began at the conclude of February, has caused turmoil in global energy markets. The IEA noted the crisis has “thrown a proverbial wrench into the inner workings of the aviation fuel markets,” with stockpiles projected to reach a tipping point in June if Europe fails to replace at least half of its blocked Middle East imports. Although no outright jet fuel shortages have occurred since the conflict began, the situation remains precarious. Birol urged immediate action to restore supplies, warning that delays could lead to widespread flight disruptions across Europe and beyond. The IEA continues to advise its 32 member countries on energy supply and security, monitoring developments closely as the aviation industry braces for potential operational and financial strain in the weeks ahead.
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