IEA chief warns Iran war and Hormuz disruption are cutting global oil supply

Thursday, April 23, 2026International AffairsWell-covered3 frames

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the world is facing an energy security crisis linked to the war involving Iran and the disruption of flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Birol said global oil supply losses have reached about 13 million barrels per day.
Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz carried roughly 20 million barrels a day of oil and petroleum products, making it one of the world's key energy transit routes.
Multiple reports say shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked or severely disrupted, with vessel traffic constrained by the conflict.
The IEA and Birol have warned that the Hormuz disruption could hurt global economic growth, raise inflation and contribute to fuel shortages or rationing risks.
Birol said attacks in the Gulf damaged 84 energy facilities, including 34 that he described as seriously damaged.
Birol said that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon, oil and gas supply is unlikely to return quickly to prewar levels because damaged facilities may take at least two years to recover.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the world is facing an energy security crisis linked to the war involving Iran and the disruption of flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Birol said global oil supply losses have reached about 13 million barrels per day.
Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz carried roughly 20 million barrels a day of oil and petroleum products, making it one of the world's key energy transit routes.
Multiple reports say shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked or severely disrupted, with vessel traffic constrained by the conflict.
The IEA and Birol have warned that the Hormuz disruption could hurt global economic growth, raise inflation and contribute to fuel shortages or rationing risks.
Birol said attacks in the Gulf damaged 84 energy facilities, including 34 that he described as seriously damaged.
Birol said that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon, oil and gas supply is unlikely to return quickly to prewar levels because damaged facilities may take at least two years to recover.