Mark your calendars for the Middle East Gas Conference 2025. The global energy community is set to converge in Dubai on December 10 for a unique and landmark event dedicated to shaping the future of natural gas across the region. Petroleum Economist and host sponsor Crescent Petroleum invite you to a high-level discussion on developing regional gas strategies among industry leaders to meet changing domestic energy needs and transform local economies.
Despite expectations, the recent geopolitical turbulence in the Middle East—especially the events of October 7, 2023, and the escalation between Israel and Iran—did not deliver a severe blow to global energy markets. Compared to past regional crises or major global shocks like the Russia–Ukraine war, the impact was surprisingly muted.
The Israel-Iran conflict that began earlier this month took a major turn this weekend after the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites – at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan – and warned the Islamic Republic that retaliation against U.S. troops in the region or any other retaliation would be the worst mistake it will make.
Oil prices continued to rise on Tuesday afternoon, following a dip in Monday’s trading session. Today’s oil price action follows Friday’s biggest intraday surge in three years following the Israeli strikes on Iran.
The market’s worst fear—a major supply disruption in the Middle East—hasn’t materialized yet. And it may not, as was the case in the previous Israel-Iran flare-ups in recent years.
Oil prices are likely to remain capped below $80 per barrel despite the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, research firm Rystad Energy said on Monday, as Iran and Israel continue to trade strikes with the escalation now in its fourth day.
Engineering and consulting group Wood has launched a specialised centre for technical, strategic and economic energy transition services in Abu Dhabi, Wood announced on Wednesday.
The Middle East will again dominate front-page headlines in the coming days. Newly elected U.S. President Trump, as promised during his election campaign, is putting the already fragile security situation in the Middle East and North Africa at risk, as his statements regarding Gaza, Israel, and Iran are unlikely to support stability.
Two years ago, West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark crude blend, joined the most traded, most liquid contract in the world: Brent. The move was hailed as a watershed moment in oil trading. With the oil market constantly changing, there could come a time when a Middle East blend might come to rival the international benchmark.
West Texas Intermediate shed 3.2% to settle below $69 a barrel. The Israeli ambassador to the US said a cease-fire agreement between his country and Lebanon’s Hezbollah could happen “within days.” Brent slid 2.9% to settle near $73.
Mena Terminals will be expanded by approximately 93,000 square metres to house the plant, which is scheduled for completion in 2026.