Europe’s Jet‑Fuel Buffer Is Too Small

IEA head Fatih Birol warned Europe may have only 'six weeks or so' of jet fuel if the Strait of Hormuz stays blocked, suggesting current strategic fuel stocks and market flexibility are inadequate for a prolonged regional disruption. That shortage would immediately affect air transport, spur higher fuel and electricity prices, and cascade into broader inflation and growth shocks—especially in poorer countries. — If short strategic jet‑fuel buffers are real, governments must consider emergency fuel sharing, prioritization of flights, and accelerated diversification of supply routes to avoid acute transportation and economic disruption.