Jet Fuel Crisis Looms as Global Airlines Begin Reducing Flights

NEW YORK - Concerns over the supply of aviation fuel (avtur) are intensifying as the conflict with Iran drags on, prompting airlines to begin cutting flights.

The surge in avtur prices is not the only issue facing the aviation industry.

Now, worries are emerging about whether fuel supplies will be sufficient.

Citing CNBC on Wednesday (8 April 2026), since the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February, avtur prices in the US have nearly doubled, from $2.50 per gallon to $4.88 per gallon on 2 April 2026, with even sharper increases in other regions.

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has hindered supplies of crude oil and refined products like avtur, further driving up prices.

Deutsche Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr stated that the company is preparing contingency plans related to the war in the Middle East, including the possibility of reduced demand or avtur shortages.

Those plans even include options to suspend operations of some aircraft.

Although the US produces much avtur and is relatively less affected than Europe and parts of Asia, refuelling is still done locally.

This means US airlines could still face supply shortages during international flights.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said his airline is likely to reduce flights to Asia.

He also did not rule out that other airlines would do the same in that region.

According to him, avtur price increases could be more pronounced in US regions not optimally connected to pipeline networks, such as the West Coast.

“There is no sufficient refining capacity, so fuel prices are more vulnerable to supply disruptions, especially on the West Coast,” Kirby said, citing CNBC on Wednesday (8 April 2026).

Kirby also conveyed that United is preparing for the possibility of oil prices remaining above $100 per barrel until 2027.