Airlines warn jet fuel shortages may persist for months

Global airlines have warned that jet fuel shortages could take months to ease even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, as disruptions to Middle East refining capacity continue to strain supply.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said fuel remains a major cost for carriers, accounting for roughly 27 percent of operating expenses.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said reopening the route would not immediately stabilise supply.

"If it were to reopen and remain open, I think it will still take a period of months to get back to where supply needs to be given the disruption to the refining capacity in the Middle East," he said.