Four international airports face jet fuel restrictions as global energy crisis looms | World | News
Four international airports, including one that is a popular holiday destination for Britons, have been warned of jet fuel restrictions due to the ongoing global energy crisis. “Due to Air BP Italia’s limited fuel availability, refueling services for operators contractually affiliated with Air BP Italia may be subject to restrictions,” an aviation notice published in Italy on Saturday warned.
The airports that will be affected by the decision will be Bologna, Milan Linate, Treviso and Venice. Italian news outlet ANSA reported that Air BP Italia, a subsidiary of BP, had informed airlines that fuel supplies would be prioritized for medical, public and long-haul flights lasting more than three hours. All other services may face limits on jet fuel availability until at least April 9.
Many airports in Europe could face fuel shortages as the US-Israeli war against Iran leads Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage in the Persian Gulf that handles about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments, has been largely closed to shipping since the conflict involving Iran, the United States, Israel and several other countries broke out a month ago.
This disruption has sharply reduced the flow of crude and refined products, including jet fuel, to Europe, which is heavily dependent on Gulf supplies. Jet fuel prices have risen as a result, and analysts warn that some airports could begin to experience supply constraints in the coming weeks if the conflict continues.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the Gulf countries on Friday and Saturday to ensure continued access to important energy resources during the war in Iran. He said he would take action to guarantee Italy’s access to the energy source it needs.
Danilo Recine, vice president of Italy’s pilot union ANPAC, told Sky TG24 that the situation should not lead to flight cancellations over the Easter weekend.
However, he warned that if a solution to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is not found, “the problem will become reality.”
According to data from S&P Global, the spot price of physical Brent crude cargoes rose to $141.36 on Thursday; This is the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. This price reflects what buyers are currently willing to pay for Brent oil scheduled for delivery within the next 10 to 30 days.
Earlier this year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that “in this age of war… our dependence on fossil fuels is destabilizing both the climate and global security.”
