"The biggest problem today is the lack of jet fuel and diesel. These are the main challenges. We are seeing it already in Asia, but soon it comes to, I think in April, it will come to Europe, or maybe beginning of May," Birol said in a podcast with Nicolai Tangen.
Birol noted that oil losses in April will be twice as large as in March. Therefore, he added, this will lead to inflation and a slowdown in economic growth in many regions, especially in emerging and developing countries that lack hard currencies.
At the same time, Carsten Spohr, CEO of German airline group Lufthansa, also warned of a threat of jet fuel shortages, primarily outside Europe, due to supply disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.
The escalation around Iran has led to the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for deliveries of oil and liquefied natural gas from the Persian Gulf countries to the global market, and has also affected the level of oil exports and production in the region, driving up prices.