Europe has 'just six weeks of jet fuel left'

Europe has “just six weeks left of jet fuel”

FLIGHTS across Europe could face mass cancellations ‘soon’ after it was revealed that the continent has just six weeks of jet fuel left.

The chilling warning comes from the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), who described the current situation as the ‘largest energy crisis we have ever faced’.

Fatih Bibil, IEA executive director, gave a sobering account of the fallout worldwide from the ongoing Iran War, speaking to Associated Press.

READ MORE Malaga airport unaffected by global wave of flight cancellations sparked by Middle East jet fuel crisis – for now

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), has warned Europe has ‘just six weeks of jet fuel left’. Valeria Mongelli/Hans Lucas.

He warned that the closure of vital oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz will soon hit European airports and consumers with just ‘maybe 6 weeks or so (of) jet fuel left.’

“I can say that soon, we’ll hear news about some flights being canceled from city A to B because of a shortage of jet fuel,” said he.

Birol warned that the crisis would trigger a sharp rise in the cost-of-living across the continent.

The blockade will result in ‘higher petrol prices, higher gas prices, high electricity prices,’ he said.

READ MORE Spain’s largest airline axes flights to key Latin America destination – but is a jet fuel shortage to blame?

He compared the blocked shipping route to the famous rock band, stating: “In the past there was a group called ‘Dire Straits.’ It’s dire straits now and will have major consequences for the global economic system.

However, Sara Aagesen is the Spanish Energy Minister has moved to reassure the public, insisting the country’s fuel supply remains ‘robust’ and ‘privileged’ despite the global crisis.

Spain’s Energy Minister Sara Aagesen

She said that Spain was heavily protected from the blockade as a network of eight domestic refineries produced 80% of kerosene used in the country.

She added, “This is an extremely advantageous situation in comparison to many European Partners who are completely dependent on imports.”

The Europe-wide crisis stems from Iran applying a controversial ‘toll booth’ system to ships navigating the vital waterway, forcing them to pay a fee to pass.

READ MOREYour summer holidays are over. Airlines start axing flights as jet fuel costs soar – with supplies ‘less than a week away’ from running dry

Birol has condemned this move, saying that it would create a dangerous precedent on other shipping routes around the world like the Malacca Strait.

He said that if we changed it just once, it might be hard to get it back.

“I would love to see oil flowing from point A to B without any interruption,” he said.

Birol confirms that economic pain has now reached Europe and America.

Travel News by The Olive Press.

Free Subscribe

Sign up to stay ahead with the latest news straight to your email.

We respect your privacy and will never spam you!

About Liam Bradford

Avatar photo
Liam Bradford, a seasoned news editor with over 20 years of experience, currently based in Spain, is known for his editorial expertise, commitment to journalistic integrity, and advocating for press freedom.

Check Also

Warning for drivers in Spain as speeding controls underway

Speeding control measures in Spain are underway

SPAIN’S traffic police are ramping up speed checks this week in a crackdown running across …