Europe could be left with “about six weeks of jet fuel reserves,” the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned, raising concerns that flight disruptions could emerge soon if global oil supply routes remain constrained by the ongoing Iran conflict.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol made the remarks in an interview with the Associated Press, describing the situation as one of the most severe energy disruptions in recent history due to restrictions affecting oil, gas and other energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the world is facing what he called the “largest energy crisis we have ever faced,” adding that prolonged disruption in the key maritime chokepoint would have widespread consequences for the global economy.
Fatih Birol warned that continued constraints on supply could lead to higher prices across multiple sectors, including petrol, natural gas and electricity, ultimately driving up inflation and slowing economic growth worldwide.
He noted that the impact would not be evenly distributed, with several countries in Asia - such as Japan, South Korea, India, China, Pakistan and Bangladesh - likely to face immediate and significant pressure due to their reliance on imported energy.
According to Birol, developing economies in Asia, Africa and Latin America would be among the most vulnerable, with richer nations also affected later if the situation persists.
He further cautioned that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed or heavily restricted, Europe could soon experience operational challenges in aviation, including possible flight cancellations between cities due to jet fuel shortages.
Birol also criticised the emergence of a “toll system” reportedly applied to some vessels in the region, warning that normalising such practices could set a dangerous precedent for other strategic waterways, including the Malacca Strait.
He stressed the need for uninterrupted and unconditional global energy flows to prevent further escalation of economic risks.
