Europe’s aviation fuel reserves could be exhausted in approximately six weeks. If the energy supply situation fails to normalize, airlines may soon begin mass-cancelling flights. This warning was issued by International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol in an interview with the Associated Press.
“In Europe, we have perhaps around six weeks of jet fuel left. If we cannot open the Strait of Hormuz… we will soon hear news that certain flights from city A to city B are being cancelled due to a shortage of kerosene,” Birol said.
According to him, the current crisis — triggered by the blockade of oil and petroleum product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid the war in the Middle East — is “the largest energy crisis we have ever faced.”
European airport representatives (ACI Europe) had previously warned of the risks of a “systemic” jet fuel shortage, noting that without a resumption of supplies from the Persian Gulf region, problems could intensify as early as May–June, at the height of the summer tourist season.
Over the past month of conflict in the Middle East, aviation and road fuel prices across Europe have risen noticeably. Kerosene and petrol prices have increased the most in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Belgium, while the highest absolute prices continue to be recorded in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany.
Analysts warn that a further prolongation of the crisis could lead not only to flight cancellations, but also to a serious blow to the European economy and tourism sector.