Sanctions on Jet Fuel

“The only way you can power a fighter jet is with aviation fuel, it’s as simple as that. So in order to minimize the ability of the Myanmar military to conduct such airstrikes, many of which are unlawful and have caused terrible impacts on communities, [we need to limit] the ability of these airstrikes to be conducted by the Myanmar military.”

Montse Ferrer, a representative from Amnesty International, is an expert in monitoring supply chains and their implications in human rights contexts. In a recent episode, she discussed the supply chains that bring aviation fuel into Myanmar, which is critical for the military's ongoing airstrikes. She detailed how Myanmar relies on imported aviation-grade fuel since the country lacks refining capabilities. Her research revealed a complex network of over 100 entities involved in the supply chain, including major oil traders like Trafigura, and connections to the military regime.

Ferrer highlighted the challenge of holding companies accountable due to the indirect nature of these supply chains and noted the lack of international political will to impose sanctions effectively. Despite some companies ceasing their involvement in jet fuel shipments, it remains unclear whether the military's capacity for airstrikes has been significantly impaired.

In the above quote, she underscores the direct relationship between aviation fuel supply and the Myanmar military's capacity to conduct devastating airstrikes, many of which violate international law and target civilian communities. Her statement emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of disrupting the military's operations by cutting off the supply of jet fuel, a key resource without which fighter jets cannot function.

By connecting the availability of aviation fuel to the military's ability to carry out airstrikes, Ferrer provides a tangible and strategic entry point for advocacy, policy interventions, and sanctions. It shifts the discussion from abstract condemnations of human rights abuses to a specific, impactful measure that can save lives and reduce harm to communities under attack. Moreover, it highlights the responsibility of international stakeholders to address the supply chain, reinforcing the broader moral and political implications of continued fuel transactions that indirectly empower the military's unlawful activities.