IEA Warns Europe Could Run Out of Jet Fuel in Six Weeks as Middle East Conflict Threatens Global Energy Supply

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has raised alarm that Europe may have as little as six weeks of jet fuel left, as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global energy supply chains. The warning comes amid growing concerns over how geopolitical instability could spill into aviation and broader economic systems.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, speaking in an interview with the Associated Press, said a possible blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger what he described as the “largest energy crisis” the world has ever experienced. The strait is one of the most critical routes for global oil transport, and any disruption could immediately tighten supply.

According to Birol, prolonged shortages would not only affect aviation fuel but also push up prices of petrol, gas, and electricity across multiple regions. He warned that rising energy costs could fuel inflation and slow down global economic growth, with some countries feeling the impact more severely than others depending on their energy dependence.

The Airports Council International Europe had earlier cautioned that the situation could interfere with peak summer travel, especially in economies heavily reliant on tourism and aviation. The group warned of “harsh economic impacts” if fuel shortages persist into the high-demand travel season.

The warning is not limited to Europe. In Nigeria, aviation stakeholders are already feeling the pressure. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) recently warned that domestic airlines may suspend operations due to soaring jet fuel prices, which have reportedly surged from N900 per litre in February to N3,300 per litre in April—a jump of over 300 percent, intensifying concerns about the sustainability of air travel operations.

source: The Cable