Scramble for Jet Fuel Shows How Energy Shortages Are Rippling Across Asia

New York Times
by Alexandra Stevenson, Aaron Krolik, Tung Ngo and Victoria Kim
March 20, 2026
2 min read

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Import-dependent countries across Asia are scrambling to secure jet fuel supplies. This scramble is a direct result of China and other major regional suppliers of refined oil restricting their exports. The situation highlights how energy shortages are now broadly impacting the region's access to critical fuel. This development could lead to disruptions in air travel and increased operational costs for airlines in affected Asian nations.

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