Manila, March 24 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that the grounding of airplanes is a "distinct possibility" on account of a potential jet fuel shortage linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, Marcos cited limitations in crude oil supply and slower jet fuel production as key concerns affecting airline operations.

"With a scarcity, shall we say, the limitation now on crude supply, the refining of jet fuel takes a longer time. And so, we will have to depend on what is already readily available," he said.

Marcos also noted that some countries have imposed restrictions on refueling foreign aircraft, forcing airlines to carry sufficient fuel for return trips.

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