The CEO of Shell and the German Energy Minister warned that Europe could face energy shortages starting from April, following impacts already felt in Asia.
On 25 Mar 2026 GMT+7, both the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the major oil company Shell and Germany’s Minister of Economy issued warnings that Europe might face energy shortages starting next month if the war with Iran does not end.
The Middle East conflict, a region rich in oil, which began on 28 Feb GMT+7, has already affected aviation fuel reserves. Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell, stated at the CERAWeek energy conference in Texas that diesel and gasoline will be the next fuels to be impacted.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, normally a transit route for about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), along with attacks on energy facilities in the Middle East, have severely disrupted global fuel supplies.
“South Asia is the first region to be hit hardest, then the impact has spread to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and will increasingly affect Europe as we enter April,” said Sawan.
At the same event, Germany’s Minister for Economy and Energy, Katarina Reiche, was asked how the global energy crisis is affecting her country. She replied, “Currently, we do not see shortages in terms of volume, but if the conflict does not end, we may see these effects around April or May.”
.cnn