Paris, April 1 (SANA) Global oil supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have exceeded 12 million barrels per day, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Wednesday.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the disruption is intensifying in April, with declining supplies affecting Europe following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.
He said losses this month are expected to be double those recorded in March, alongside disruptions in liquefied natural gas supplies, adding that shortages of jet fuel and diesel are already emerging in Asia and could soon impact European markets.
Birol said the agency is considering tapping strategic reserves if needed to stabilize markets and curb price volatility.
He added that around 40 major energy assets in the Middle East have been damaged amid escalating attacks on infrastructure and supply routes, further tightening global supply.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been largely halted for weeks due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, placing additional pressure on global energy markets.
F.J./ABD
