News
Several states in Asia introducing measures to preserve their jet fuel supply
March 27th 2026
Due to the rising price of oil caused by the military conflict in the Middle East, and in the face of a potential fuel shortage if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, some countries are shifting from market-driven fuel exports to conservation. Read More » China and Thailand introduced curbs on refined fuel exports to protect their own strategic stocks. Australia implemented a temporary 20% cut in its minimum stockholding obligations for diesel and petrol due to reduced imports. Bloomberg Markets reports growing signs that Asian countries are hoarding jet fuel. South Korean airlines were notified of refueling restrictions by some countries, and the government is discussing whether to redirect export-bound jet fuel to the local market, the nation’s transport ministry said in a statement to Bloomberg earlier this week. The Philippines became the first country to declare a national energy emergency. Vietnam warned its carriers that there might be jet fuel shortages starting in early April. There are signs that the situation is affecting airlines in the region. “There are a couple of countries that are now starting to say, ‘Well, we don’t want you to pick up too much fuel when you come.’ And so I think if countries are not thinking about how they manage that, then they’re missing the big picture,” Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall said in an interview with Bloomberg News this week.
