As Middle East conflicts disrupt global oil supply, California — the most populous state and largest economy in the U.S. — has seen its jet fuel reserves fall to the lowest level in two and a half years.
The Los Angeles Times, citing data from the California Energy Commission, reported that California's jet fuel stockpiles stood at only 2.6 million barrels last week, down more than 25 percent from a peak of over 3.5 million barrels last year. The state has a refining capacity of about 200,000 barrels of jet fuel per day. In 2025, 61 percent of the crude oil used by California refineries came from abroad.
The report noted that as fuel supplies tighten, airfares are climbing. To offset rising fuel costs, airlines have begun imposing additional baggage fees. Some routes from smaller California airports have been cancelled, and certain low-cost carriers even face bankruptcy risks.
Experts believe that flight cancellations and fare hikes have already started to affect travelers' summer vacation plans, and are even casting a shadow over the plans of international tourists heading to U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, which kicks off in June.
Compared with the U.S., the jet fuel shortage in Europe is even more severe. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), said earlier this month that Europe's jet fuel reserves "may last only about six weeks."
According to the IEA's forecasting model, given Europe's current jet fuel inventories, if a way is found to replace 75 percent of Middle East jet fuel imports, European countries' jet fuel stocks could drop to the alert level — that is, below 23 days — in August; if only 50 percent can be replaced, the alert level could be reached as early as June.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that Europe could experience widespread flight cancellations due to jet fuel shortages by the end of May.
Related News:
Iran hangs giant banner: 'No matter what Trump says'
Iran's Mahan Air announces resumption of passenger flights between Iran and China
Comment