Klingbeil emphasized the seriousness of the situation, contrasting his views with those of Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, who downplayed the risks. He noted that the ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, could exacerbate the crisis, likening it to the energy challenges following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The IEA predicts a jet fuel shortage in Europe within six weeks, raising concerns about the impact on consumer relief measures, such as the temporary fuel tax reduction.