‘Six Weeks Or So’: Europe Faces Jet Fuel Crunch As Iran War Chokes Supply, Flights May Be Hit Soon

Last Updated:April 16, 2026, 17:03 IST

IEA warns Europe may have only six weeks of jet fuel, Middle East conflict and Hormuz closure squeeze supplies, risking flight cancellations and wider economic disruption.

Europe could face flight disruptions within weeks as jet fuel supplies tighten sharply, with the International Energy Agency warning that the region may have only “six weeks or so" of stock remaining.

IEA chief Fatih Birol said the shortage, already visible in parts of Asia, is expected to hit Europe soon as the global energy crisis triggered by the Iran conflict deepens.

Speaking in recent remarks reported by the Associated Press, Birol warned that flight cancellations could begin in the near term if supply constraints worsen.

Jet fuel shortage emerges as key concern

While crude oil disruptions have dominated headlines, the IEA says the more immediate issue is a shortage of refined fuels, particularly jet fuel and diesel.

“The biggest problem today is the lack of jet fuel and diesel," Birol said, pointing to growing strain on refining capacity and supply chains as conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt energy flows.

The situation has been aggravated by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a key transit route for global oil and liquefied natural gas, which has choked supplies to major import-dependent regions.

Impact likely to spread from Asia to Europe

Asia, which receives the bulk of energy shipments passing through Hormuz, is already seeing the impact. However, analysts warn that Europe is next in line, with tightening supplies expected to hit the aviation and transport sectors first.

Airlines could be forced to cut flights, raise fares, or reroute operations, depending on how long the disruption lasts and how quickly alternative supplies can be secured.

Wider economic ripple effects

Beyond aviation, diesel shortages could disrupt freight, logistics and industrial activity, amplifying the economic fallout of the crisis.

The IEA has already released record volumes from strategic reserves to stabilise markets, but officials caution that continued disruption could outpace these measures.

Birol has warned that no country will be immune if the crisis persists, with poorer nations at risk of being priced out of already constrained energy markets.

For now, Europe faces a narrowing window to secure supplies — with the aviation sector likely to be among the first to feel the strain if the crisis deepens further.

News world ‘Six Weeks Or So’: Europe Faces Jet Fuel Crunch As Iran War Chokes Supply, Flights May Be Hit Soon

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