BIRMINGHAM, England

Disruptions to jet fuel supplies could begin in early May if the US-Israel war with Iran extends beyond April, Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, said.

O’Leary warned there is a potential for supply interruptions across Europe during May and June. “The fuel companies are happy there won’t any disruption until early May. But if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June,” he said in an interview with Sky News on Wednesday.

“Obviously, we hope the war will finish sooner than that and that the risk to supply will be eliminated,” he added.

O’Leary said the airline has hedged about 80% of its fuel needs but is paying nearly double — approximately $150 a barrel — for the remaining 20%.

He said if the conflict ends and the Strait of Hormuz reopens by the end of April, supply concerns would be removed. “then there’s no risk to supply,” he said.

“Like everybody else in the industry, we hope that this war will end sooner rather than later,” he said.