AAI denies asking airports for jet fuel stock details amid Middle East supply concerns

Sources said the Airports Authority of India (AAI) asked international airport operators to share Aviation Turbine Fuel stock details and near-term needs. The move was linked to worries over oil supplies amid the Middle East crisis. However, AAI later issued a statement on Tuesday night. AAI said it did not seek any such information from operators.

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According to sources, the request followed directions from the civil aviation ministry. Sources said AAI wanted a clearer view of fuel availability at international airports. They described the step as precautionary during the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. The situation, sources said, could affect global oil supply lines.

AAI fuel stock details request and the official denial

Sources said operators were asked for the current fuel supply position at their airports. Sources also said AAI sought average daily fuel use figures. The communication, sources said, included an estimate for the next seven days. Operators were also asked to share the date of the next planned fuel replenishment.

In its late Tuesday evening statement, AAI referred to media reports on Aviation Turbine Fuel stocks. It linked the reports to the geopolitical situation in West Asia. AAI rejected those reports and said it made no formal request. AAI also said it made no informal request for fuel stocks or estimates.

AAI said it works only within its mandate. "AAI is airport operator and navigation service provider. It does not exercise oversight over fuel inventories,\" the statement said. The authority maintained it does not control fuel stock monitoring. The denial came as attention stayed on possible aviation disruptions.

Middle East crisis and fuel supply risks for international airports

India has 33 international airports, including at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. The ministry data showed 355 international departures and 344 arrivals on March 2. These movements depend on steady Aviation Turbine Fuel supply at hubs. Any supply concern can affect planning by airlines and airport operators.

Reports also pointed to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The route is a major channel for global energy transport. Around one-third of the worlds seaborne crude oil exports pass there. About 20 per cent of liquefied natural gas shipments also transit it.

The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran. It links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Sources connected these risks to the wider Middle East conflict. AAI, however, maintained it did not seek fuel stock data. The differing accounts left the exact nature of any request unclear.

With inputs from PTI