IEA: Jet Fuel Crisis from Middle East Conflict Hits Asia, Europe to Follow in April-May

Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, stated that the crisis in jet fuel and diesel supplies resulting from the Middle East conflict has already struck Asia and is projected to reach Europe in April or early May 2026.

He explained that the biggest issue currently is the shortage of jet fuel and diesel, which he described as one of the main challenges.

“We are already seeing it in Asia, but it will soon reach Europe. I think in April or perhaps early May,” Birol said in a podcast with Nicolai Tangen, quoted on Friday, 3 April 2026.

He noted that the oil lost in April will be twice as much as in March. Therefore, this situation will cause inflation and slow economic growth in many regions.

In particular, this will occur in developing countries and emerging economies that face limitations in foreign exchange.

At the same time, the CEO of the German airline group Lufthansa, Carsten Spohr, also warned of the threat of jet fuel shortages, especially outside Europe, due to supply disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

It is known that on 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on several targets in Iran, including in Tehran, which caused damage and civilian casualties.

Iran then carried out a retaliatory action, attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The escalation surrounding Iran has led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets. This situation has also impacted export levels and oil production in the region, thereby driving up prices.