German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday said he will “promptly” convene the country’s National Security Council to address the possibility of jet fuel shortages linked to the ongoing war in Iran.
“Our goal is clear: businesses and citizens must be able to rely on the supply of essential products such as diesel, petrol and jet fuel,” he said at the opening of the Hanover trade fair.
Jet fuel prices in Europe have more than doubled since the U.S. and Israel launched their war against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran struck back by blocking most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly a fifth of global oil flows.
While admitting the current situation is “tense,” Merz said the country had sufficient access to the key fuels at the moment. But, he added, “if conditions worsen, we are prepared to act,” and insisted “all available instruments” would be used to ensure security of supply.
Germany’s National Security Council, which is composed of key government ministers and sectoral experts, was set up last year to coordinate rapid responses to major threats. The decision to convene the group signals Berlin believes the jet fuel shortage could become a significant problem.
Economy Minister Katherina Reiche last week unveiled contingency plans and is set to meet with fuel suppliers, airline representatives and airport operators on Monday.
Germany’s move to prepare for a possible crisis situation contrasts with Brussels’ efforts to downplay concerns. EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas on Friday said there was “no indication” of jet fuel shortages — even as airlines including KLM and Lufthansa cut back on flights in response to skyrocketing fuel prices.
Industry experts warn that even if shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz normalize, prices are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future. International Air Transport Association Director General Willie Walsh earlier this month said it could take “a period of months” for fuel supplies to return to normal levels.
