Mar 12 • 10:45 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Agency: War in the Middle East Causes the Largest Shock to the Global Oil Market in History

The war in the Middle East has led to unprecedented disruptions in the global oil market, surpassing past crises in the 20th century.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the ongoing war in the Middle East has resulted in a shock to the global oil market greater than any experienced during the oil crises of the 1970s. The total oil extraction from Persian Gulf countries has dropped by at least ten million barrels per day, with no signs of de-escalation in military activities. This significant reduction in supply has triggered alarm across the global markets, highlighting the region's critical role in ensuring steady oil flow to international consumers.

Currently, oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are operating at less than 10% of pre-crisis levels, a situation that is deemed crucial for containing the war's impact on global oil prices. Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, oil prices have surged by 40-50% globally, reflecting the immediate market reaction to the anticipated and ongoing supply shortages. These developments underscore how sensitive global markets are to geopolitical instability, particularly in key oil-producing regions.

Amidst the turbulence, a high-ranking Iranian military official has warned of a prolonged conflict, emphasizing that Iran will continue its military actions despite claims from U.S. President Donald Trump that the war might end soon. This statement from Tehran, coupled with its threats linked to U.S. and Israeli actions, signals that the situation may escalate further, thereby putting additional pressure on oil markets worldwide. The international community is left navigating a complex landscape of military and economic implications as they assess the ongoing conflict's ramifications.

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