German logistics giant DHL Group says it is confident it can secure enough jet fuel for its European operations through May and June but admits the situation is far less certain across Asia, where visibility on supply is “quite limited.”
CEO Tobias Meyer, speaking to reporters in Brussels, said the company has “visibility and commitments” from major fuel suppliers for European airports into early June. His comments come after the International Energy Agency warned that Europe could face physical jet fuel shortages by June due to the Iran war and the region’s heavy reliance on Middle Eastern imports. The European Commission is expected to unveil emergency plans on Wednesday.
Meyer said the picture in Asia is more concerning. While China holds significant strategic reserves, “other countries in the region have less back‑up,” he noted.
Oil majors commit to short‑term supply
DHL, which operates nearly 300 aircraft, has secured short‑term assurances from suppliers in Europe. But Meyer cautioned that beyond early June, forecasting becomes difficult. “The problem seems to be more severe in Asia than in Europe… For Europe, we get two to four weeks more assurance.”
Demand for DHL rises as Gulf carriers reduce flights
The Iran war and disruptions to Middle Eastern airspace have led to reduced operations by Gulf airlines, Meyer said a shift that has actually increased demand for DHL’s Asia‑Europe routes.
“That capacity now is absorbed by carriers like us who fly directly Asia‑Europe… For us, there’s more demand not less.”
Meyer warned that market prices may not yet reflect the true risk of supply shortages, adding that disruptions could persist even if the Strait of Hormuz a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments were fully reopened.
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