Date: March 6, 2026 l Reporter: Mensah
Qatar has warned that global oil prices could surge to $150 per barrel within weeks if the escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt energy supplies from the Gulf region.
The warning was issued by Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, who said the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel could force major Gulf energy exporters to halt shipments if the situation worsens. Such a move would significantly disrupt global oil and gas supplies and trigger a sharp spike in energy prices worldwide.
According to the minister, the crisis could lead to the suspension of energy exports from the Persian Gulf within weeks, a development that would have severe consequences for the global economy. Analysts warn that such a disruption could cause inflation, raise transportation and manufacturing costs, and place additional pressure on already fragile global markets.
The concerns come amid intensifying hostilities in the Middle East, where military strikes and retaliatory attacks have raised fears about the safety of major oil shipping routes. In particular, the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, has experienced significant disruptions as tensions escalate in the region. The strategic waterway normally handles roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments, making it one of the most important chokepoints for global energy trade.
Recent attacks and security threats in the region have already led to disruptions in energy production and transport. Qatar temporarily halted some gas production operations after attacks on key energy infrastructure, while several shipping companies and energy producers have slowed or suspended operations due to security concerns.
Global oil prices have already reacted to the conflict. In recent trading, crude oil prices climbed above $90 per barrel, marking one of the sharpest increases in years as traders anticipate potential supply shortages if the war spreads further across the region.
Energy analysts warn that if Gulf nations are forced to stop exports or if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz becomes impossible, global oil markets could face one of the most severe supply shocks in decades.
The crisis has raised fears of a wider energy emergency that could ripple through global economies, affecting fuel prices, transportation costs, and the cost of everyday goods for consumers around the world.