IEA head warns Europe’s jet fuel supply could be exhausted in six weeks

(SeaPRwire) –   Fatih Birol, the head of the IEA, has stated that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to flight cancellations and increased energy expenses.

The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has indicated that Europe could face a shortage of jet fuel within weeks if oil supplies continue to be interrupted by the conflict involving Iran.

During an interview with the Associated Press on Thursday, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol cautioned about extensive global repercussions stemming from what he characterized as “the largest energy crisis we have ever faced.” This crisis, he explained, was triggered by disruptions to the flow of oil, gas, and other essential supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Following the US-Israeli bombing campaign, Iran reportedly closed the crucial waterway, which accounts for approximately 20% of global oil transit, to “enemy ships,” leading to a breakdown in supply chains. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blockade of the strait on Sunday after negotiations with Tehran failed, a move that caused tankers to divert and pushed oil prices back towards $100 per barrel.

Birol stated that tankers carrying fuel are encountering difficulties reaching European ports, with limited viable alternative routes available.

According to the agency chief, Europe has approximately “six weeks or so” of jet fuel remaining, and if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, “soon we will hear the news” of flight cancellations due to shortages.

Birol described the situation as a “dire strait,” warning that prolonged disruptions would exacerbate the impact on global economic growth and inflation. He predicted that the consequences would include “higher petrol prices, higher gas prices, high electricity prices.”

Western Europe is widely considered to be the most significantly affected by the Hormuz blockade, given its substantial reliance on Middle Eastern oil following sanctions imposed on Russian supplies.

Earlier this month, Politico reported that London’s Heathrow Airport had already experienced cancellations attributed to escalating jet fuel costs. Scandinavian airline SAS has reportedly canceled around 1,000 flights. Smaller British regional airlines Skybus and Aurigny have also reduced services as fuel prices have surged by approximately 120% year-on-year, and Air France has increased fares on its long-haul routes.

According to Corriere della Sera, some EU countries possess jet fuel reserves that can only last for eight to ten days.

Moscow has indicated its willingness to address any oil supply deficits resulting from shortages caused by the Middle East conflict. Earlier this week, Indonesia finalized an agreement to import Russian crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas. The Philippines has received its first Russian oil cargo in five years after declaring an energy emergency. Vietnam has entered into new oil and gas cooperation agreements with Moscow, and Thailand has also expressed interest in Russian supplies, highlighting Russia’s growing importance as a key provider during the current crisis.