The head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on authorities to put “well-coordinated plans in place” in the event of jet-fuel rationing due to the Middle East war, AFP reports.

Willie Walsh has said an assessment from the International Energy Agency, warning that fuel for aircraft could start running out in Europe in six weeks’ time, is “sobering”.

“We have also estimated that by the end of May, we could start to see some cancellations in Europe for lack of jet fuel. This is already happening in parts of Asia,” he has said in a statement.

Walsh adds in the statement — issued before Iran’s announcement — that if jet fuel shortages occur, “it’s important that authorities have well-communicated and well-coordinated plans in place in case rationing becomes necessary.”