Europe warns of jet‑fuel crunch

Europe’s airports are warning that jet fuel could start running short within weeks if supplies through the Strait of Hormuz do not resume. (cnbc.com) Airports Council International Europe, which represents airports across the European Union, told Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas on April 9 that a “systemic jet fuel shortage” could become reality within three weeks without a stable reopening of the strait. The group said the squeeze could disrupt airport operations and air connectivity during the summer peak. (cnbc.com) On April 16, International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol told The Associated Press that Europe has “maybe six weeks or so” of jet fuel left and said flight cancellations could come “soon” if oil supplies stay blocked by the war in Iran. Birol said the disruption could become “the largest energy crisis we have ever faced.” (apnews.com) Jet fuel is refined from crude oil, then moved by ship and pipeline to airport storage tanks, so airlines can run short even when planes and crews are available. Europe’s warning is tied to a supply chain problem, not a sudden drop in travel demand. (twincities.com) The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow shipping lane between Iran and Oman that carries a huge share of the world’s energy trade. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said oil flow through the strait averaged 20 million barrels a day in 2024, equal to about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption. (eia.gov) The current shock began after the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran started on February 28, according to CNBC’s timeline, and traffic through the strait then fell to an effective halt. CNBC reported jet fuel prices were up 103% month over month as of March, citing the International Air Transport Association. (cnbc.com) Airports are emphasizing the calendar as much as the fuel math. ACI Europe said air connectivity supports 851 billion euros in gross domestic product and 14 million jobs across European economies, with southern member states especially exposed heading into the summer travel season. (cnbc.com) Airlines have already started adjusting. ABC News reported on April 16 that Lufthansa said it would shut down regional subsidiary CityLine and remove 27 aircraft from its flight program because of jet fuel prices tied to the Iran war. (abcnews.go.com) There was one sign of relief on April 17: CNN reported that oil prices fell after Iran’s foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz would be “completely open” for commercial transit during the remainder of the ceasefire. Airports and energy officials are still warning that even a reopening would not refill Europe’s tanks overnight. (cnn.com, cbsnews.com)