Ryanair’s chief executive has warned that while jet fuel supplies should remain adequate for European flights in May, uncertainty looms over June availability amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Speaking to Italian media, Michael O’Leary stated that oil companies have confirmed sufficient kerosene supplies for May but expressed doubt about June, citing risks tied to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and U.S. Policy under President Trump.
“For now, oil companies say there will be no supply risks for May, but for June we are not sure,” O’Leary said, according to Il Sole 24 Ore. He added that continued instability in the region and U.S. Handling of the situation are likely to keep fuel prices elevated.
O’Leary further noted that 10 to 20 percent of Ryanair’s fuel supplies are at risk, highlighting Europe’s reliance on imports from Gulf nations for roughly half of its jet fuel needs.
The airline chief emphasized that while demand for air travel remained strong during the Easter period, any disruption to shipping routes—particularly a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz—could trigger fuel shortages as early as May.
Industry observers have echoed concerns about potential fuel rationing, with global aviation bodies urging coordinated government action to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities linked to oil market volatility.
