Europe is struggling to replace jet fuel imports previously sourced from the Middle East, raising fears of fuel shortages and possible flight disruptions ahead of the busy summer travel season, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The IEA revealed that Europe’s jet fuel imports from the Middle East dropped sharply in April following tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil transit route. Imports reportedly fell from about 330,000 barrels per day in March to just 60,000 barrels per day in April.
Although Europe has increased fuel purchases from the United States and Nigeria to cushion the impact, the replacement supply remains insufficient. The agency noted that Europe has only managed to restore around 70 percent of the lost imports, leaving the region vulnerable to supply shortages during the peak summer travel period.
The IEA warned that European markets would need to secure at least 80 to 90 percent of lost Middle East supplies to maintain stable inventories and avoid disruptions at airports. Industry experts fear that prolonged instability in the Middle East could trigger higher airfares, flight cancellations and increased pressure on global energy markets.
The crisis has also intensified concerns over global oil inventories, with the IEA describing the current situation as one of the most severe energy supply disruptions in recent years.
Ayofe Abdullah