Amid rising tensions in the Middle East conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, reports emerged that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had asked international airport operators in India to share details about aviation fuel stocks and short-term requirements. The move was said to be a precautionary step as concerns grew over possible disruptions in global oil supplies due to disruptions in key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
The initial reports suggested that AAI, acting on directions from the Civil Aviation Ministry, had asked airport operators to provide information on available fuel reserves, average daily fuel consumption, estimated needs for the coming week and expected replenishment dates. The sources said the exercise was aimed at understanding how prepared India’s airports were in case of supply volatility amid the worsening crisis in West Asia.
However, the AAI later issued a clarification denying that it had asked for such information. In an official statement released on Wednesday, the authority described the earlier reports as “false and factually incorrect” and stressed that it had not made any formal or informal request to airport operators regarding aviation fuel stock levels.
The AAI reiterated that its statutory role is limited to managing airport operations and air navigation services, and it does not exercise oversight over fuel inventories or fuel supply management at airport sites. It also urged the media and the public not to spread unverified information amid sensitive geopolitical developments.
The reports first appeared against a backdrop of escalating global concern after the conflict led to significant effects on energy markets and air travel, with closed airspace, flight cancellations and potential oil supply risks putting pressure on aviation and transport sectors worldwide.
