Oil

Syria relies on Russia's oil despite pivot to the West

Oil shipments from Russia have jumped 75% to about 60,000 barrels per day this year, making Moscow the country's dominant crude supplier following the fall of Assad in December 2024.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa shake hands during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on January 28, 2026.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, arrive at Doha International Airport, in Doha, Qatar, September 10, 2025

Fractures rock Gulf alliance as UAE quits OPEC during Iran war - analysis

 US military forces boarded the crude oil tanker Aquila II in the Indian Ocean after pursuing it from the Caribbean. The vessel was accused of breaching Washington's blockade on sanctioned vessels traveling to or from Venezuela. February 9, 2026.

Iran may run out of oil storage within weeks under US blockade pressure

An illustrative image of a cargo ship by the Strait of Hormuz.

Darkness at noon: Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz is more devastating than nukes - opinion


World Bank warns of 16% rise in commodity pricing over Hormuz closure

World Bank forecasts a 24% rise in energy prices in 2026, driven by the Iran conflict and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global markets.

 A participant stands near a logo of the World Bank at the International Monetary Fund - World Bank Annual Meeting 2018 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, October 12, 2018

Behind Tehran’s calm, Iran faces deepening economic collapse

While the streets are full of people, their pockets are empty. The Iranian rial has become a liability that citizens are desperate to offload.

A woman walks past a billboard featuring an image of the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a building, amid a ceasefire between US and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 27, 2026

UAE exit weakens OPEC+ power over oil market but group to stay together, sources say - analysis

The exit would complicate OPEC+'s efforts to balance the market through supply adjustments because the group would have control over less of the global production.

 A 3D-printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020.

UAE taking advantage of long-term global energy needs by leaving OPEC - analysis

“At a pivotal moment in the process of supporting the stability of global energy markets, the UAE adopted a long-term strategic and economic vision,” one report says.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, arrive at Doha International Airport, in Doha, Qatar, September 10, 2025

Iran uses improvised oil storage to avoid damage to oil facilities amid blockade - report

This situation stems from the fact that the Iranian extraction and refining systems can't be shut down, with Kharg Island's infrastructure at risk of failure if the oil flow is cut.

 Iranian flag with stock graph and an oil pump jack miniature model are seen in this illustration taken October 9, 2023.

UAE leaves OPEC and OPEC+ in major blow to global oil producers' group

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters the decision was made after a careful look at the regional power's energy strategies.

UAE's Oil Minister OPEC President Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei and OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo address a news conference after an OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria, June 22, 2018.

Iran war begins to hit China’s economy as costs surge

The war in Iran is weighing on China’s economy, with car sales plunging, toy factories shutting down, and thousands of workers taking to the streets following a surge in plastic and energy prices.

An illustration of cargo containers containing the flags of China and Iran.

Nations to discuss fossil fuel exit as Strait of Hormuz blockade drives up prices

The gathering of ministers and officials in Santa Marta, Colombia, which starts on Tuesday, will focus on practical steps to shift economies away from fossil fuels.

US FORCES patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the US accused of attempting to violate the US naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.

Russian superyacht crosses Strait of Hormuz as shipping traffic remains muted

The US Central Command has redirected 37 vessels since a blockade was imposed on Iran on April 13, the military said on April 25.

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, April 27, 2026.

US imposes sanctions on Chinese 'teapot' refinery for buying Iranian oil

Last year, the US imposed sanctions on teapots Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical.

An aerial view shows a petrochemical plant in operation by the Yangtze River in Nanjing, in eastern China's Jiangsu province November 26, 2025.