The Philippines says grounding flights due to jet fuel shortages caused by the war in Iran is a “distinct possibility,” according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Several countries have told our airlines that they can’t fuel their plane, so they have to bring fuel when they come back,” Marcos said in an interview with Bloomberg News on Tuesday. “Too long it will be a very big problem.”
When asked if it is possible for the flights to be stopped, Mr. Marcos said “we don’t hope so, but it is a possibility.”
Airlines in Asia are mapping out contingency plans as the escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens to cause the worst oil shock since the 1970s. Because the Philippines relies heavily on crude imports — much of it from the Middle East — it is more exposed than other Southeast Asian nations to energy shortages and rising domestic fuel prices.
Philippine budget carrier Cebu Air on Monday said it plans to reduce flights starting next month due to rising fuel prices caused by the Middle East crisis, according to a statement.
Elsewhere in Asia, Vietnam Airlines is temporarily suspending flights on some domestic routes while VietJet Aviation JSC is reducing flight frequency. Another Vietnamese carrier, Bamboo Airways, said it would try to keep flights at peak travel times but advised that services could be lower than last year if oil prices remain high.
The comments of Mr. Marcos appeared to contradict a briefing Energy Secretary Sharon Garin gave earlier on Tuesday. He said the Ministry of Energy on Monday met with the airlines and told the agency that they have enough incoming fuel orders.
“We met with them because we wanted to know if they needed help buying, but they assured us that they are ready,” said Ms. Garin. – Bloomberg
