NEW DELHI, April 15, 2026 Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer warned on Wednesday that Europe could face diesel and kerosene shortages by May due to supply disruptions, with potential price impacts and calls for energy conservation.
Supply Disruptions and Price Impacts
Hattmannsdorfer stated that Europe may experience a 5% shortage in diesel and a 15% shortage in kerosene due to reduced supplies. "Die Verwerfungen in den letzten Wochen werden zeitverzögert auch in Europa ankommen," he told journalists in New Delhi, emphasizing that these disruptions would have delayed but significant effects.
The minister highlighted that these shortages would directly affect prices. "Dies habe eine 'Auswirkung auf den Preis'," he said, without specifying exact figures. The situation is particularly critical for aviation fuel, with 90% of the jet fuel used at Vienna-Schwechat Airport produced locally.
Aviation Sector Challenges
"The main problem is when a plane flies elsewhere," Hattmannsdorfer noted, pointing to the logistical challenges of rerouting flights amid fuel shortages. He stressed that the government is prepared for emergencies, stating, "Wir sind vorbereitet für den Ernstfall," and calling fuel supply security the "top priority."
To mitigate the crisis, Hattmannsdorfer and Christian Stocker are focusing on raising public awareness and changing consumption patterns. "Jeder sollte überlegen, wo er Energie sparen kann," the minister urged, advocating for energy-saving measures.