The Pentagon faces a $4 billion to $6 billion budget shortfall through September 30 as rising fuel costs and expanded missions strain military spending, ABC News reported.
Defence Department records showed average military fuel costs rose nearly 27% in six months, from $154.14 per barrel in October to $195.72 in April. The figures cover about two dozen fuel types, including gasoline and jet fuel.
Fuel prices during the Iran war could add more than $1 billion in unplanned costs this year for aircraft, tanks and other military equipment. The Defence Department consumes about 80 million barrels of fuel annually.
Lt. Col. Orlando Howard, an Army spokesperson, said energy market conditions were raising fuel costs and affecting the movement of personnel, supplies and equipment.
Read: Oil Prices Iran War Uncertainty Keeps Brent Near $95
Military leaders also face higher civilian fuel and airfare costs. Troops often use commercial flights, rental cars and reimbursed personal vehicles for training and other activities.
ABC News reported that some units have reduced or cancelled travel for training and other events since at least April to control costs.
The deficit also reflects the Iran conflict, increased border missions and the National Guard’s ongoing deployment in Washington, D.C.
