The Philippines says grounding planes as a result of a shortage of jet fuel brought on by the war in Iran is a “distinct possibility,” in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Several countries have already told our airlines they can’t fuel their aircraft, in order that they should carry fuel there and back,” Marcos said in an interview with Bloomberg News on Tuesday. “Long haul goes to be a far more significant issue.”
Asked whether, inevitably, planes could have to be grounded, Mr. Marcos said “we’re hoping not, but it surely’s a definite possibility.”
Airlines in Asia are mapping out contingency plans because the escalating Middle East conflict threatens to trigger the worst oil shock for the reason that Seventies. Since the Philippines relies heavily on imported crude — much of it sourced from the Middle East — it’s more highly exposed than other nations in Southeast Asia to energy shortages and spiraling domestic fuel prices.
Philippine budget carrier Cebu Air on Monday said it plans to cut back flights starting next month due to surging fuel prices brought on by the Middle East crisis, in line with a press release.
Elsewhere in Asia, Vietnam Airlines is temporarily suspending flights on some domestic routes while VietJet Aviation JSC is reducing the frequency of flights. One other Vietnamese carrier, Bamboo Airways, said it should try to take care of flights during peak travel periods but has advised services could also be fewer than last 12 months if oil prices stay high.
Mr. Marcos’s comments look like at odds with a briefing Energy Secretary Sharon Garin gave earlier Tuesday. She said the Department of Energy had on Monday met with airlines and so they’d told the agency they’ve sufficient fuel orders coming in.
“We met them because we desired to know in the event that they need assistance in procuring, but they’ve assured us they’re okay,” Ms. Garin said. — Bloomberg