Israel Steps in to Supply Germany with Kerosene Amid Energy Crisis Linked to Iran War

Germany is facing potential kerosene shortages triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, prompting Israel to supply kerosene to support German energy needs. The German Ministry of Energy requested these supplies, citing concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz fueling the global energy crisis. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced this aid during a state visit to Berlin, where he informed German Minister for Economy and Energy Katherina Reiche about Israel’s commitment to deliver kerosene amidst the crisis.

Despite these developments, German officials maintain that there is currently no kerosene shortage. Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder asserted that Germany’s refinery capacity is sufficient to meet demand. In April, the National Security Council evaluated the kerosene reserves as adequate for the near future, though it acknowledged the precarious situation and stated it would keep a close watch on supply conditions.

The ongoing conflict has caused kerosene prices to more than double, heightening concerns among experts about potential shortages, especially in the summer months. Economic experts like Monika Schnitzer, chairwoman of the Council of Economic Experts, have warned against subsidizing summer vacation flights amid rising kerosene costs, suggesting Germans may need to reconsider travel plans if fuel becomes scarce. Schnitzer emphasized that enjoyable vacations without air travel remain possible and cautioned against taking on debt to support flight subsidies.

Recent summit discussions have failed to produce concrete solutions, and the German government does not consider itself a fuel trader but a consumer, reflecting its cautious stance despite Israel’s assistance. This dynamic underscores the broader challenges Germany faces in securing energy supplies amid geopolitical tensions affecting global oil and fuel markets.