Ryanair CEO Says Jet Fuel Crisis Could Hit Europe by May

(MENAFN) Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has issued a stark warning that aviation fuel supply disruptions could begin hitting Europe as early as May if the US-Israel war with Iran stretches beyond April — a scenario that would pile fresh pressure on an airline industry already reeling from soaring energy costs.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, O'Leary said fuel suppliers remain confident that existing stockpiles can hold through the end of April, but cautioned that a prolonged conflict fundamentally changes the calculus. "The fuel companies are happy there won't any disruption until early May. But if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June," he said.

Despite the alarm, O'Leary struck a cautiously hopeful tone. "Obviously, we hope the war will finish sooner than that and that the risk to supply will be eliminated," he added.

The Ryanair boss revealed that the airline has moved to protect itself financially by hedging approximately 80% of its total fuel requirements — but is being forced to pay nearly double the pre-war rate, at roughly $150 a barrel, for the remaining 20% left exposed to volatile spot markets.

The critical variable, O'Leary emphasized, is the Strait of Hormuz. A resolution to the conflict and a reopening of the strategic waterway before April ends would be sufficient to neutralize the threat entirely. "Then there's no risk to supply," he said.

Striking an industry-wide note to close, O'Leary made clear that Ryanair is far from alone in its anxiety. "Like everybody else in the industry, we hope that this war will end sooner rather than later," he said.

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