Hormuz Energy Crisis Threatens European Flights, Jet Fuel Stocks Last Six Weeks

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BERLIN – The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that Europe may have only six weeks of jet fuel reserves. Stocks will reach a critical point in June if Europe cannot replace at least half of its fuel imports from the Middle East, as stated in the agency’s weekly report.

The Strait of Hormuz, the main distribution route for jet fuel from the Gulf region, has effectively been closed by Iran for more than six weeks in response to attacks by the United States (US) and Israel. This situation has driven a surge in prices while triggering concerns over supply shortages.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol told the Associated Press that flight cancellations could occur in the near future if supplies remain disrupted.

In its monthly oil market report, the IEA, which advises 32 member countries on energy supply and security, noted that exports from the Gulf region are the largest source of jet fuel for the global market.

Refineries in other major exporting countries, such as South Korea, India, and China, are also heavily dependent on crude oil imports from the Middle East.

As a result, this crisis “significantly disrupts the global aviation fuel market mechanisms”.

A UK government spokesperson told the BBC that they are working with fuel suppliers and airlines to ensure public mobility remains intact and business continues to operate.

“UK airlines state that they are not currently seeing any supply disruptions,” the spokesperson said.

The Airlines UK association stated that although there have been no jet fuel supply disruptions in the UK so far, they are continuing to communicate with the government regarding important steps needed to support the aviation industry, including reducing regulatory burdens to protect consumers, trade, and UK competitiveness.