IEA Head Predicts Jet Fuel Shortage in Europe Within Six Weeks Due to Strait of Hormuz Blockade
Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, stated that Europe has about six weeks of jet fuel remaining due to blocked oil supplies linked to the Iran war. The energy crisis is affecting multiple regions, with developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America expected to suffer most.
The Washington TimesEurope is facing a potential jet fuel shortage within approximately six weeks if oil supplies remain blocked through the Strait of Hormuz, Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), stated in an Associated Press interview on Thursday.
Birol said this shortage could lead to flight cancellations between certain cities. Birol described the current situation as the largest energy crisis ever faced globally, caused by the pinch-off of oil, gas, and other vital supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
He warned that if the strait is not reopened, some flights might be canceled due to a lack of jet fuel. The IEA chief criticized Iran’s toll booth system for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, cautioning that making this system permanent could set a precedent for other strategic waterways such as the Malacca Strait in Asia.
Birol identified Japan, Korea, India, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as countries hit harder than others by the energy crisis.
He added that the worst impacts will mainly affect developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with Europe and the Americas experiencing effects subsequently. Air travel is a significant economic sector in Europe, generating 851 billion euros in gross domestic product annually and supporting 14 million jobs, according to ACI Europe.
EasyJet reported a 2% decline in customer bookings for later in 2026 compared with 2025 and incurred roughly £25 million in additional fuel costs in March, reflecting the rising energy expenses.
Birol spoke from his Paris office overlooking the Eiffel Tower during the interview.
Story Timeline
4 events- Apr 16, 2:02 PM ET
5 new sources added: seekingalpha.com, @JavierBlas, @NBCNews, @MarketWatch, GB News
5 sourcesseekingalpha.com · @JavierBlas · @NBCNews - Apr 16, 11:02 AM ET
3 new sources added: The New York Times, BBC News, NPR
3 sourcesThe New York Times · BBC News · NPR - 2026-04-16
Fatih Birol states Europe has about six weeks of jet fuel left amid Strait of Hormuz supply disruptions.
1 sourceFatih Birol - 2026-04-16
EasyJet reports 2% decline in customer bookings for later in 2026 and £25 million in additional fuel costs in March.
1 sourceEasyJet
Potential Impact
- 01
Developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America will experience significant energy supply challenges.
- 02
European economies could face economic strain from reduced air travel activity and increased fuel costs.
- 03
Flight cancellations in Europe due to jet fuel shortages are likely if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
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