War in the Middle East raises global energy prices after attacks on gas and oil fields By Luís Henrique Costa
6 min read
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Global energy markets face severe turbulence, with oil and natural gas prices reaching alarming heights due to the escalation of attacks on critical facilities in the Oriente Médio. The situation worsened after Israeli offensives provoked Iranian retaliation, generating a dangerous cycle of attacks against the region’s energy infrastructure. Essa intensificação do conflito militar tem implicações diretas na economia global, com repercussões sentidas desde os grandes centros financeiros até o bolso do consumidor comum nas bombas de combustível.
The current dynamics of the conflict involve a series of actions and reactions that destabilize the supply of essential resources. Amid this volatile scenario, several nations and international leaders position themselves and react to events, expressing concerns about energy security and regional stability. Fears of a prolonged crisis in the sector are emerging, as diplomats seek to contain the escalation without a clear path to an end to hostilities.
The complexity of the crisis is accentuated by the interconnectedness of global markets, where any significant disruption to energy supplies in one region can trigger domino effects across the world. Global dependence on fossil fuels, especially Oriente Médio oil and gas, makes the area a hot spot for the world economy, amplifying the impact of each attack and threat.
Accelerating prices and the epicenter of global energy conflicts
Global benchmark Brent oil soared to $115 a barrel, an increase of almost 8% in a single day, marking its highest value since mid-2022. Catar, including the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub.
Ras Laffan’s infrastructure has suffered “extensive damage,” according to reports, raising serious concerns about a possible global gas shortage with long-lasting impacts. Além In addition, two refineries in Riade, the Saudi capital, were also targeted by unidentified projectiles, further raising tension and uncertainty regarding the security of energy supply routes in the region.
These incidents not only drive up oil and gas costs, but also introduce an element of unpredictability that affects investor confidence and the stability of financial markets. Price volatility reflects growing risk perceptions, with market operators anticipating potential additional disruptions and the difficulty of securing future supply.
Estados Unidos responses and threats of military escalation
US President Donald Trump has stepped up his tone, threatening to “blow up” the South Pars gas field, a crucial asset for Irã, if Teerã persists in its attacks on Essa statement adds a layer of aggressiveness to the crisis, suggesting that Washington may intervene militarily more directly, further expanding the scope of the conflict. The presidential rhetoric underlines the gravity of the situation and the US willingness to protect its interests and allies in the region.
Simultaneously, the Trump government is considering sending thousands of additional American troops to Oriente Médio, after Pentágono has already deployed an Unidade Expedicionária of Fuzileiros Navais with approximately 2,500 troops. The US ambassador to the Nações Unidas, Mike Waltz, confirmed that military options are being presented to the president, aiming to guarantee forces ready and positioned for any decision as commander in chief.
Additionally, the Pentágono seeks more than $200 billion in funding from the Congresso for the war against the Irã, a request that reflects the rising cost of the conflict. Estimativas Preliminaries indicate that the first six days of the war have already cost at least US$11 billion, with more than US$5 billion spent on ammunition alone in the first two days, demonstrating the heavy financial burden of military operations.
Diplomatic tension and the stance of Alemanha in the face of the crisis
The Arábia Saudita, following the attacks on its refineries, declared that it “reserved the right to take military action” against the Irã, raising the level of diplomatic confrontation in the region. Catar, in turn, expelled Iranian military and security attaches, signaling a breakdown in relations and an explicit condemnation of Teerã’s actions. Tais movements reflect the severity of tensions and the formation of regional blocs.
Europa has been cautious about getting involved directly. German Chancellor Merz highlighted that Alemanha can collaborate in the opening of maritime routes, but only in a peaceful scenario, resisting President Trump’s calls for greater allied participation in the security of Estreito and Ormuz.
Merz’s comments echo the European position of avoiding further escalation, prioritizing diplomatic solutions and containing the conflict. The complexity of an intervention requires:
This cautious stance aims to protect European interests and prevent the crisis from spreading beyond the borders of the Oriente Médio, while recognizing the need for an eventual contribution to regional stability.
Skyrocket in gasoline prices for the end consumer
Rising energy prices are already directly reflected at fuel pumps, impacting consumers globally. Nos Estados Unidos, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline rose to US$3.88, an increase of 4 cents in just one day. Este is the highest value since October 17, 2022, marking the end of the historic price surge following the invasion of Ucrânia by Rússia, and now, prices have risen 90 cents in 19 days since the start of the war with Irã.
Vice President JD Ele also signaled that the Trump administration will implement additional policy changes to reduce prices, seeking to ease pressure on American consumers.
Currently, eight American states record averages above US$4 per gallon, while Califórnia, Havaí and Washington exceed the US$5 mark.
Controversies over the coordination of Israeli attacks
Despite statements by President The source indicated that Israel carried out the offensive in coordination with the US, suggesting a level of strategic cooperation that has not been publicly acknowledged.
This divergence between official statements and information from internal sources creates a scenario of misinformation and suspicion, further complicating public perception about the involvement of each actor in the escalation of the conflict. The apparent contradiction raises questions about the true extent of the military partnership between the two countries and transparency in operations.
The attack on South Pars is considered a major escalation, as Israel had previously refrained from targeting oil and natural gas production facilities, focusing instead on fuel depots. The decision to attack such vital infrastructure demonstrates a significant shift in military strategy and the potential for even more intense retaliation.
In response, Irã retaliated, attacking important energy installations in countries neighboring Golfo, including the energy hub of Ras Laffan, in Catar. Analistas warn that damage to these facilities could lead to a long-lasting global gas shortage, highlighting the fragility of the energy supply chain in the face of such clashes.
The Ministro of the Relações Exteriores of Omã, Badr Albusaidi, criticized the stance of the Trump administration, classifying the war against the Albusaidi suggested that Israel may have convinced the US that the war would be easily won, a perspective that appears increasingly distant from reality.
Concerns about the security of global gas supplies
Continued attacks and threats on Oriente Médio pose a substantial risk to the security of global oil and gas supplies. The region, crucial to global supplies, is under increasing pressure, which could lead to chronic outages and unpredictable fluctuations in markets. The observed volatility is a warning sign for global dependence on a politically unstable area.
Any prolonged damage to energy production and transportation infrastructure, such as the incidents in Ras Laffan, has the potential to trigger large-scale supply crises. Disruption of flow through strategic shipping lanes, such as the Estreito of Ormuz, could also have devastating consequences for international trade and the global economy.
Governments and energy companies are assessing the long-term implications and seeking alternatives to diversify their supply sources, although in the short term options are limited. The search for energy security becomes a top priority as nations try to shield themselves against shocks from geopolitical instability.
Persistent challenges to global energy stability
The current crisis highlights the fragility of the global energy system in the face of regional conflicts. The interconnection between politics, security and economics manifests itself dramatically, with each military action generating waves of instability that affect everything from great powers to developing countries. The international community faces the challenge of finding solutions that transcend the battlefield, aiming for lasting stability.
