A shortage of jet fuel is in some cases preventing foreign airlines from launching new flights to Japan, The Mainichi Shimbun reported on June 8, 2024. Staff shortages throughout the jet fuel supply chain are further complicating the issue according to the report.
Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Takeshi Saito confirmed that issues with the jet fuel supply chain have caused some foreign airlines to scale down their Japan expansion plans. He said that while there is enough jet fuel, there are challenges further down the supply chain. Further, Bloomberg reported that ENEOS Holdings, Japan’s largest oil company, confirmed being requested by airlines to increase fuel supply.
One of the reasons behind the staff shortages in the supply chain is a recent change in Japan’s law reducing the amount of overtime truck drivers, among others, can work. The same change in law also prompted Yamato Transport to start using aircraft instead of trucks for hauling packages over longer distances.
According to reports by multiple Japanese media outlets, the current fuel supply chain issues caused, among other things:
- Korean Air and T’Way Airlines to cancel their plans to operate Seoul Incheon – Obihiro flights this summer
- A foreign airline to revise Hiroshima service expansion plans
An unnamed petroleum refiner told The Mainichi Shimbun the company is prioritizing demand from existing customers.
