Indian airports stock up on aviation fuel as Strait of Hormuz fears raise supply concerns

Indian airports have begun building additional aviation fuel reserves amid concerns that escalating tensions involving Iran could disrupt global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities and fuel suppliers are taking precautionary steps to ensure uninterrupted flight operations if shipping through the crucial energy corridor is affected.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, carrying a significant share of global crude shipments. Nearly half of India’s crude imports pass through this narrow waterway from Gulf countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, making the country particularly sensitive to any disruption in the region.

With fears that the conflict could temporarily halt or slow tanker traffic, airport operators and aviation fuel suppliers have moved to increase stocks of aviation turbine fuel at major airports. The precaution aims to avoid disruptions to flight schedules and maintain stable fuel availability for airlines operating both domestic and international routes.

Energy experts warn that prolonged instability in the Middle East could push oil prices higher and strain supply chains across Asia. Officials, however, say contingency plans and existing fuel inventories should help India manage short-term disruptions while the government monitors the situation closely.