Since February, jet fuel prices have near doubled as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted. According to NPR reporting, the blockage is preventing deliveries of refined fuel from reaching global markets while also cutting off crude supplies to refineries worldwide.

This disruption is significantly impacting the world’s three largest fuel exporters: China, South Korea, and Kuwait. China has imposed a ban on jet fuel exports. South Korea has reduced production because it is unable to secure the crude oil required for refining. Kuwait faces regional maritime blockades.

Europe and Asia are particularly affected because they rely more on crude oil and refined products shipped from the Persian Gulf. NPR reporting indicated the situation is most acute in Asia.

Air Cargo News reported that European airports could experience a shortage of jet fuel within weeks. The Airports Council International (ACI) said its members are increasingly concerned about jet fuel availability ahead of the summer travel season.

NPR’s report also cited International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol, who told Associated Press that Europe will run out of jet fuel in six weeks. This could potentially lead to flight cancellations and reduced belly cargo capacity.

At the same time, airlines face regulatory pressure on airport slots, which are normally governed by an 80/20 usage rule. Airport slots give airlines permission to land or take off at specific times and require airlines to use their slots at least 80% of the time to retain them.

Air Cargo News reported that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged governments to suspend these requirements under the Justified Non‑Use of Slots exemption, which freezes slot utilization calculations during extraordinary disruptions.

Even if access through the Strait resumes, IATA warns that rebuilding fuel inventories and airline schedules could take months and prices would remain elevated for a period. NPR reporting has estimated damage to Middle Eastern energy infrastructure at more than $50 billion.

Source: NPR, Air Cargo News (articles published April 13 and April 16, 2026)