The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has raised alarms over extensive damage to energy facilities in the Middle East, as the regional conflict enters its fourth week and disrupts global supplies.
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Widespread Infrastructure Hits Across Nine Countries
Fatih Birol stated that at least 40 energy assets—including oil fields, refineries, pipelines, and gas facilities—have been “severely or very severely” damaged across nine countries in the region.
Specific incidents include drone attacks on a Kuwait oil refinery causing fires, suspension of operations at the UAE’s Shah gas field, and reported damage to an Israeli oil refinery in Haifa from Iranian strikes.
These attacks have compounded broader disruptions, with recovery expected to take months even if hostilities cease soon.
Global Economy Faces Unprecedented Energy Shock
Birol described the crisis as equivalent to “two oil crises and one gas crash put all together,” surpassing the impacts of the 1970s oil shocks and the 2022 energy fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The near-total blockage of the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of global oil and gas transits—has halted petroleum shipments, driving oil prices sharply higher.
Trade in essential commodities like petrochemicals, fertilizers, sulfur, and helium has been interrupted, threatening “grave consequences” for industries worldwide.
Birol emphasized that “no country will be immune” if the situation worsens, urging immediate global efforts to resolve the conflict and reopen key routes.