Global fuel shortages loom as Middle East war disrupts supply chains

The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that shortages of key fuels are spreading beyond Asia and are likely to hit Europe within weeks, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts global energy flows.

Speaking on a podcast released on April 1, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol highlighted growing concerns over tightening supplies, CNN reports. 

“The biggest problem today is the lack of jet fuel and diesel. These are the main challenges. And we are seeing it already in Asia,” he said. He added that the shortages will also likely affect Europe this month or “maybe beginning of May.”

According to Birol, global energy markets are now entering a more vulnerable phase. In March, ports worldwide were still receiving oil and natural gas shipments that had departed the Middle East before the escalation of hostilities involving the United States and Israel.

“But in April, there is nothing,” he added.

The warning aligns with recent statements from industry leaders and European officials, including an oil company chief executive and Germany’s economic minister, who cautioned that prolonged tensions involving Iran could trigger widespread energy shortages across Europe starting this month.

Fuel prices are already reacting sharply. Data from the International Air Transport Association show that global jet fuel prices have more than doubled compared to February levels, based on figures for the week ending March 27.

Airlines have begun passing on higher costs to consumers by introducing surcharges and reducing flight capacity, raising concerns about broader economic impacts if supply constraints persist.

By Sabina Mammadli