Europe faces jet fuel crunch as Hormuz crisis threatens summer travel

Europe could run critically low on jet fuel within weeks, the head of the International Energy Agency has warned, as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz sends shockwaves through global energy markets.

Executive Director Fatih Birol said supplies may last “maybe six weeks or so”, raising the prospect of imminent flight cancellations if the blockade persists.

Hormuz Chokepoint Triggers Global Energy Shock

At the heart of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for oil and gas flows now effectively blocked amid escalating conflict involving Donald Trump.

Birol described the situation as “the largest energy crisis we have ever faced”, warning of cascading impacts on inflation, growth and energy prices worldwide.

Flight Cuts Loom as Supplies Tighten

The aviation sector is bracing for immediate fallout. Airlines and airports warn that without restored flows, fuel shortages could force grounded flights across Europe within weeks.

Industry body Airports Council International Europe has already alerted the European Commission, flagging risks to peak summer travel and the wider tourism economy.

Markets React as Airlines Lead Sell-Off

Investor anxiety is building fast. Airline stocks led declines in London markets earlier this week as fears deepened over both supply shortages and soaring fuel costs.

Carriers including Ryanair have acknowledged the risk, warning that disruption extending into early summer could hit airport fuel availability.

Asia First in Line — But Europe Next

Birol warned the blockade will hit Asia hardest first, naming major energy importers including Japan, India and China.

But Europe and the Americas are close behind, with the continent’s reliance on global fuel flows leaving it exposed as the crisis drags on.

Economic Fallout Set to Escalate

The longer the blockade continues, the sharper the consequences. Rising petrol, gas and electricity prices are expected to ripple through economies already under strain.

With summer travel, trade and energy security all on the line, pressure is mounting for a rapid resolution — before Europe’s skies begin to empty.

Europe has just ‘six weeks of jet fuel left’, warns energy chief | The Independent