---
title: "European Airlines Face Fuel Shortages Within Weeks - The New York Times"
source: "https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/business/europe-airlines-jet-fuel-strait-hormuz.html"
domain: "www.nytimes.com"
type: "article"
summarized_at: "2026-04-16"
canonical: "https://tl-dr.cc/s/european-airlines-face-fuel-shortages-within-weeks-the--f22B"
---

# European Airlines Face Fuel Shortages Within Weeks - The New York Times

**Source:** [www.nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/business/europe-airlines-jet-fuel-strait-hormuz.html)  
**Summarized:** 2026-04-16  

- Ryanair warns its jet fuel supply is only guaranteed through most of May, as the Strait of Hormuz blockade cuts off ~41% of Europe's jet fuel imports.
  - Global jet fuel prices have surged ~80% since the Iran war began, forcing airlines to raise fares and cut unprofitable routes.
  - The IEA says Europe has roughly six weeks of fuel reserves; shortages could hit as early as June if no alternative supply is found.
  - Developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America face the worst risk, as wealthier countries can outbid them for scarce supplies.
  - The US is largely insulated due to domestic production, but even maxing out American exports to Europe would only cover about half the shortfall.

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