Europe could face a serious aviation fuel crisis, with supplies potentially lasting only a few more weeks, according to energy experts.
The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, warned that jet fuel stocks in Europe may drop to critical levels within six weeks if supply disruptions continue.
The situation stems from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for transporting oil and jet fuel from the Gulf region. Iran has restricted access to the route following military tensions involving the United States and Israel.
The disruption has already driven fuel prices higher and raised concerns across the aviation industry. The IEA’s latest report indicates that Europe must replace at least half of its fuel imports from the Middle East to avoid severe shortages.
The agency emphasized that Gulf exports represent one of the largest sources of jet fuel for global markets. Other key refining countries, including India, China, and South Korea, also depend heavily on crude oil from the same region.
This dependency has intensified the crisis, disrupting the global aviation fuel supply chain and creating uncertainty for airlines.
Birol warned that if the situation continues, airlines may be forced to cancel flights due to fuel shortages.
Despite these concerns, officials in the United Kingdom said they are working closely with fuel suppliers and airlines to maintain stability. Industry representatives have also confirmed that there are currently no immediate disruptions to supply.
However, aviation groups are preparing contingency plans. They have urged governments to consider measures such as easing regulations to help airlines manage potential disruptions and protect both consumers and economic activity.
As global tensions continue to affect energy supply routes, Europe faces increasing pressure to secure alternative fuel sources and stabilize its aviation sector.
