Doha:Middle East The energy crisis resulting from the conflict in the Middle East is revealing significant vulnerabilities in regional security, as nations encounter the challenges of diminished export revenues, increased import expenses, and aggravated energy shortages.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial channel for global oil and gas supplies, have significantly impacted energy security across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Countries are experiencing the crisis differently. Oil and gas exporters are facing difficulties in maintaining shipments amid rising international prices, whereas energy-importing countries are dealing with sharply increased costs. Notably, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have managed to sustain most of their shipments through pipelines circumventing the strait, while Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar remain more susceptible to disruptions.

Iraq is under additional pressure due to reduced oil exports and lower associated gas production, which have intensified strains on its electricity sector. The country is also confronting fuel shortages due to disrupted imports and limited domestic production. Meanwhile, energy-importing nations like Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Lebanon are contending with higher expenses, with combined monthly spending on crude oil, oil products, and natural gas escalating from $4.6 billion in March to $4.8 billion in June.

The crisis is exacerbating energy access issues in conflict-affected nations with fragile infrastructure. In Lebanon, increasing fuel costs are burdening households dependent on private generators, while the Gaza Strip's electricity system has largely collapsed. The IEA emphasizes that the crisis is reshaping energy security in the region, with major producers facing risks to export revenues and energy-importing economies grappling with affordability issues.

The IEA also noted the potential benefits of distributed renewable energy, such as rooftop solar and mini-grids, to enhance electricity access in areas where centralized infrastructure is prone to disruption. The agency underscored the necessity of diversifying energy supplies, fortifying regional energy connections, and expanding access to reliable and affordable energy solutions.