LATEST ARTICLES

Zambia Urges SAPP Members To Prioritize Mission 300 Agenda

The Zambian government has urged member countries of the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) to prioritize the realization of Africa’s Mission 300 Journey — a strategic initiative aimed at defining the future of Africa’s energy sector. Speaking at the official opening of SAPP’s 66th Management Committee Meeting held on 12 March 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Energy Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Eng. Arnold Simwaba, on behalf of the Energy Minister, challenged delegates to work tirelessly toward achieving the five pillars of the Mission 300 Journey. The Mission 300 Journey is anchored on expanding least-cost power generation, strengthening regional power markets, promoting last-mile access, encouraging private sector participation, and improving utility financial performance. Eng. Simwaba noted that regional utilities continue to face challenges impeding progress in the energy sector. “The utilities have been facing challenges that have affected their financial performance. Common issues across the region include high distribution losses, infrastructure theft, vandalism, and other operational inefficiencies. These challenges cost utilities millions of dollars annually,” he said. “As such, there is a need for innovative technical solutions, stronger regulatory enforcement, and unified regional frameworks to ensure that our utilities remain financially viable and attractive to concessional financing,” he added. Eng. Simwaba further urged SAPP to consider fiscal frameworks that support renewable energy investments. “Equally important is the implementation of a robust, integrated renewable energy plan that will diversify our energy mix and reduce over-reliance on hydropower,” he explained. He also highlighted that regional policymakers recognize barriers to electricity trade, particularly the lack of harmonization in taxes, duties, and levies applied by member states, which hinder market integration. In addition, challenges remain in obtaining certificates of origin for power traded through SAPP markets. The Permanent Secretary reiterated Zambia’s continued efforts to engage key stakeholders in developing a harmonized framework for taxes, duties, and levies to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.

Ghana: PETROSOL Empowers Female Staff At Transformative 2026 Women In Leadership Conference

PETROSOL Platinum Energy, one of the leading oil marketing companies in the Republic of Ghana, hosted its fifth annual Women in Leadership Conference in Accra, providing a transformative platform for female empowerment in Ghana’s energy sector. The conference, organized by the PETROSOL Women Network (PWN) to coincide with International Women’s Day, was held under the theme: “Investing in Women: Transforming Communities Exponentially.” The Guest of Honour, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission, lauded PETROSOL and PWN for creating a platform to advance women’s leadership. “Let us move beyond dialogue to sustain commitment,” she urged, rallying attendees to champion women’s inclusivity in energy and beyond. Dr. Stella Agyenim-Boateng, Vice Chairman Public Services Commission, who chaired the conference emphasized women’s vital role in shaping PETROSOL’s future, describing attendees as custodians of a legacy for the next generation. Keynote speaker Dr. Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa, Managing Executive for Corporate and Investment BAanking (ABSA) highlighted the importance of investing in women through access, opportunities, and support to build resilient teams and thriving communities. “Let’s commit to giving boldly, leading courageously, and investing consistently in ourselves, in one another, and in the systems that shape our collective success,” she encouraged. Mr. Michael Bozumbil, Chief Executive Officer of PETROSOL Platinum Energy, honored outstanding female staff for their contributions, noting, “The impact of female staff on PETROSOL’s growth has been significant from day one.” Panelists, including Ama Duncan (Founder, Fabulous Women Network), Gideon Mankralo (National Project Coordinator, International Labour Organization), and Kezia Sanie Kermah (Founder, For the Future Organization), reinforced the link between women’s empowerment and sustainable community development. Dr. Amoah praised PWN’s platform for advancing empowerment and encouraged women to seek reliable support in overcoming challenges. The conference concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from PETROSOL to champion gender equality and equity, positioning women as catalysts for exponential growth and transformation across Ghanaian communities.  

Trump Urges France, China, Others To Deploy Warships To Keep Strait Of Hormuz Open

Donald Trump, President of the United States, on Saturday urged countries badly affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to deploy naval vessels to help secure the reopening of the vital passage for global oil shipments and other international commodities.

The U.S. president said several nations could join efforts alongside the United States to keep the waterway open for international shipping.

Trump specifically urged China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and others to join the U.S. in preventing Iran from keeping the strait blocked to shipping.

“Many countries, especially those that are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the strait open and safe,” Trump posted on the social platform Truth Social.

He added that key global economies impacted by the disruption should contribute to the effort.

“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area,” he said.

The White House later echoed the president’s stance in a noon post on X, stating: “One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!” – President Donald J. Trump.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments.

The latest tensions are part of a widening Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States that escalated after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets on February 28, 2026.

Since then, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region and threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a broader regional war and global economic fallout.

More than 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait each day — roughly one-fifth of global consumption, according to Reuters. Disruptions there have already pushed oil prices sharply higher as markets fear prolonged supply shortages.

The conflict has also begun affecting shipping and trade across the Gulf.

Tankers have been attacked and maritime traffic disrupted, while analysts warn that a sustained blockade could have “catastrophic consequences” for global energy markets and the wider economy.

Nigeria: Prospecting Licence Holders Must Develop Their Assets Or Lose Them – NUPRC

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has warned companies holding on to prospecting licences without developing their assets that the era is now officially over. The Commission’s Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, stated this when she received the management of the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja recently.

Eyesan said one of the key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act is Section 94, which compels operators to either commence work or relinquish their licences — a provision commonly referred to as “drill or drop.”

She revealed that the enforcement of this provision has attracted serious investors in the ongoing 2025 licensing rounds, expected to boost Nigeria’s petroleum reserves.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone, Foday Mansaray, said the aim of the meeting was to understand Nigeria’s petroleum sector and apply the lessons learned to improve his country’s hydrocarbon sector.

Mansaray also called for stronger and more sustainable energy collaboration between Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

 

Ghana Introduces GH¢2.00/kWh Electricity Tariff For Commercial EV Charging Stations

Ghana has officially introduced a GH¢2.00 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) electricity tariff for commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, marking the first time such a pricing structure has been established since electric vehicles began entering the West African nation several years ago. The new tariff, which takes effect on April 1, 2026, was announced on Friday alongside a reduction in electricity and water tariffs for the second quarter of 2026. In a statement issued by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the regulator of electricity and water tariffs in Ghana, EV charging operators will pay an energy charge of GHp201.6000 (GH¢2.016) per kilowatt-hour and a monthly service charge of GHp50,000 (GH¢500). PURC said the move is aimed at supporting Ghana’s transition to cleaner transport systems and promoting investment in EV charging infrastructure. The Commission described the tariff as the first formal electricity pricing structure for commercial EV charging in Ghana, marking a key step in integrating electric mobility into the country’s energy system. According to the 2022 Ghana Electric Vehicles Baseline Survey Report by the Energy Commission of Ghana, approximately 17,660 plug-in electric vehicles were imported into Ghana between January 2017 and December 2021. Despite the growing number of EVs in the country, there are fewer than 10 EV charging stations nationwide, most of which are located in Accra. With the introduction of a dedicated electricity tariff for EV charging stations, it is expected that the move will attract investment into EV charging infrastructure and accelerate the development of Ghana’s electric mobility ecosystem. Electric mobility is gradually gaining traction in Ghana as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption, cut carbon emissions, and modernize the country’s transport sector. Government agencies such as the Energy Commission of Ghana and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition have been promoting the adoption of electric vehicles through policy development, pilot programs, and regulatory reforms. However, one of the major barriers to EV adoption in the country has been the limited charging infrastructure and the absence of a dedicated electricity tariff for commercial charging operators. Without a clear tariff structure, investors and operators faced uncertainty regarding the cost of electricity for charging services. The introduction of a specific EV charging tariff by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission therefore provides regulatory clarity and is expected to encourage private sector participation in the development of EV charging networks. The move also aligns with Ghana’s broader energy transition and climate commitments, which include promoting cleaner transport technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.

Trump Bombs Iran’s Kharg Island And Threatens To Hit Oil Exports

U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces had launched a major bombing raid on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island, targeting military facilities on the key Persian Gulf outpost while warning Tehran that its vital oil infrastructure could be destroyed if shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

In a social media statement, Trump said that at his direction the United States Central Command carried out “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East,” claiming U.S. forces had “totally obliterated every military target” on Kharg Island.

Trump said the United States had deliberately avoided striking the island’s oil infrastructure, which handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude exports.

“For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the oil infrastructure on the island,” Trump wrote, warning that the decision could change if Iran interferes with ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping chokepoint.

Speaking to reporters earlier Friday, Trump said the U.S. military campaign would continue “as long as necessary,” while claiming the operation was “way ahead of schedule.”

He also suggested the U.S. Navy would soon begin escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating attacks on shipping.

Kharg Island sits about 25 kilometers off Iran’s southwestern coast and serves as the backbone of the country’s oil export system. The terminal accounts for roughly 90% of Iranian crude shipments, loading millions of barrels per day onto tankers bound largely for Asian markets.

Because so much of Iran’s export capacity is concentrated in one location, the island represents a critical economic lifeline. Analysts say destroying the terminal could cripple Iran’s economy for months or even years—but could also send global oil prices sharply higher.

So far, U.S. and Israeli strikes in the conflict have largely targeted Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. Oil facilities elsewhere in Iran have been hit, but Kharg’s massive storage tanks, jetties, and pipelines had remained untouched until the latest strike.

Ghana: PURC Cuts Electricity And Water Tariffs By 4.81% And 3.06% Effective April 1

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the economic regulator for electricity and water utilities, has announced a 4.81% and 3.06% reduction in electricity and water tariffs for the second quarter of 2026, effective April 1, 2026. In January, the Commission announced increases of 9.86% and 15.9% in electricity and water tariffs, respectively. This latest development is welcome news for both residential consumers and businesses. In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission explained that the quarterly tariff review reflects changes in key economic indicators, whose variability affects the operations of Utility Service Providers (USPs). These indicators include the Ghana cedi–US dollar exchange rate, inflation, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of natural gas used for thermal power generation. The Commission applied a projected exchange rate of GH¢11.1931 to US$1, representing a 6.78% appreciation of the cedi compared with the previous quarter. It also used a three-month average inflation rate of 4.17%, while the weighted average cost of natural gas increased slightly by 2.84% to US$8.0988 per MMBtu. Under the new electricity tariffs, residential consumers and non-residential customers using up to 300 kWh will see a 1.66% reduction, while those consuming above 301 kWh will experience a 3.63% decrease. PURC said the adjustments are intended to maintain the financial viability of utility service providers while protecting consumers.              

US-Owned Tanker Attacked Near Iraq Was Hit By Unmanned Boats, Early Findings Show

Two explosive-laden, unmanned ‌boats rammed the Safesea Vishnu tanker in an Iraqi seaport on Wednesday, sparking a fiery blast that engulfed the vessel’s port side in flames and left crew only seconds to react, according to an early assessment conducted by the vessel’s U.S. owner and operator. “After speaking to the surviving crew members, the attack appears to have been deliberate and calculated,” New Jersey-based Safesea Group said in a statement. At least ⁠16 tankers and other vessels have come under attack in the Gulf during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. ​ Hundreds more have dropped anchor due to Tehran’s threat to attack vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz, which is used to transport roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil. The Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu was anchored at the Iraqi port of Khor Al Zubair and engaged in ship-to-ship loading of 53,000 metric tons of naphtha at the time of the attack. The vessel’s 28 crew members, without time to deploy lifeboats, jumped into the water to escape the burning vessel. One died; the remaining 27 crew are safe and receiving assistance from ‌the Embassy ⁠of India in Iraq, Safesea said. The tanker is reported to be listing in the water, and a salvage team has been sent to stabilize the ship and make sure the surrounding marine environment is safe. The attack must serve as a wake-up call for governments, maritime authorities, and the international community, ​Safesea said. “Commercial shipping lanes ​cannot become battle zones,” ⁠it said. The Malta-flagged Zefyros was the other ship involved in the transfer. A projectile struck that vessel during the Wednesday night assault, its Greece-based manager ​said on Thursday. All 23 crew on the Zefyros were safely evacuated. Some 20,000 seafarers aboard ⁠vessels operating in the region face “a dangerous and highly uncertain security situation,” according to the World Shipping Council. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States is prepared to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz when ⁠necessary, ​but so far the U.S. Navy has refused near-daily requests ​from the shipping industry for military escorts since the start of the war on Iran, saying the risk of attacks is too ​high for now, according to sources familiar with the matter.

U.S. Plans 168,000 bbl/d Refinery At Port Of Brownsville With Reliance Support

The United States government is planning to construct a new oil refinery on the southern U.S. border. The 168,000 barrels-per-day (bbl/d) refinery will be built at the Port of Brownsville with support from India’s Reliance Industries. U.S. President Donald Trump revealed the plans as U.S. drivers face rising gasoline prices since the start of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran. Startup America First Refining reports that the refinery is expected to help offset $300 billion in the U.S. trade deficit with India, home to the world’s largest refining complex operated by Reliance Industries. Reliance Industries has entered into a binding 20-year offtake term sheet with America First Company to procure products from the refinery. This strategic move is expected to reduce India’s trade surplus with the United States—an issue that has previously been a point of contention for President Donald Trump—as Republicans and Democrats prepare for midterm elections that will determine which party controls Congress during the final two years of Trump’s presidency. Tensions in the Middle East have heightened following the outbreak of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran, which has disrupted energy markets and contributed to rising global oil and fuel prices. The volatility has renewed concerns in the United States over fuel supply security and rising gasoline costs.

Ukraine Hits Major Oil Export Pipeline Hub In South Russia

Ukraine on Thursday hit in a drone attack a key pipeline hub of Russia’s crude oil exports in the southern region of Krasnodar as Kyiv intensifies strikes on Russian energy and military infrastructure. The pipeline terminal at Tikhoretsk, which hosts a major oil depot and a pumping station, was hit and a large fire broke out as a result, a source with knowledge of the situation told Bloomberg. Tikhoretsk is a major oil transshipment and pumping station for Russian oil supply in it southern regions and for exports from its black sea ports of Novorossiysk and Tuapse. The tikhoretsk pumping station distributes crude received via four main pipelines toward the black sea ports. The attack at tikhoretsk could further complicate Russian oil exports from the black sea, which have been hampered in recent months by additional U.S. sanctions on Russian producers and frequent Ukrainian attacks and drone hits at the port of Novorossiysk and surrounding oil storage and pumping infrastructure. Earlier this month, Ukrainian drones hit an Oil Terminal at Novorossiysk, setting the depot on fire. Novorossiysk is a critical oil hub and loading terminal for a large part of Russia’s oil exports from the black sea. It is also close to a terminal operated by the Caspian pipeline consortium (CPC) which operates the pipeline and loadings of crude oil from Kazakhstan’s huge oilfields. The attacks on infrastructure and the hefty discounts of Russia’s crude to benchmarks in February sank Russian revenues from oil exports to the lowest level since the invasion of Ukraine four years ago, the international energy agency said today. Russia’s crude and oil product export volumes slumped by 850,000 barrels per day to 6.6 million bpd in February, while total oil export revenues decreased to $9.5 billion, down by $1.5 billion from January, the IEA said in its oil market report for march.    

Ghana: Deputy Chief Of Staff Urges Energy Institutions To Remove Barriers Facing Women

Ghana’s energy institutions must craft deliberate strategies to tackle barriers facing women and enable them to contribute fully to national development, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo has urged.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day Symposium and the launch of the Ghana Gas Ladies’ Association in Accra under the theme “Give to Gain,” she highlighted the unique hurdles women encounter in technical and industrial sectors.

These include limited access to specialised equipment and opportunities, workplaces that still need to evolve into more gender-friendly spaces, and lingering stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing careers in science and engineering.

To help shift this narrative, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo called on institutions to foster supportive environments, champion inclusive leadership, and build professional networks where women can mentor and uplift one another.

She praised the newly launched Ghana Gas Ladies’ Association as a vital step forward, noting that it will promote mentorship, professional growth, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and confidence-building among women in the energy industry.

The Deputy Chief of Staff contended that when women are supported to succeed in the sector, institutions become more innovative and societies become more prosperous.

Touching on women’s contributions across the upstream and downstream sectors of the energy value chain, she cited roles ranging from policy and leadership to engineering and technical expertise.

“When individuals and organisations give generously through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and opportunities, the result is greater progress and stronger opportunities for women,” Nana Oye Bampoe Addo asserted.

According to her, the International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity not only to celebrate women’s contributions but also to examine the gaps that still exist and renew collective commitment to closing them.

She told participants that it was fitting for women leaders, professionals, and mentors from across Ghana’s energy sector to mark the occasion together.

She used the occasion to celebrate hardworking women in Ghana’s energy sector, particularly Ms. Judith Adjobah Blay, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas, and her female staff.      

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama Commissions Sahara Group’s LPG Vessel ‘MT Asharami Ghana’ In South Korea

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday commissioned a state-of-the-art 40,000 cubic-metre liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessel christened “MT Asharami Ghana”, owned by Nigeria-based Sahara Group in South Korea, to boost LPG supply in Ghana and across West Africa as part of his working visit to the Asian country. The vessel, which is expected to set sail for West Africa, represents a strategic addition to a growing fleet designed to support the evolving energy needs of the West African region. Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, industry leaders, and partners, President Mahama said the event represented more than the launch of a single vessel.
Mr. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
Providing further context on Ghana’s energy landscape, the President revealed that the country currently produces about 50 percent of its LPG needs locally and relies on imports to meet the remaining demand. He said the commissioning of MT Asharami Ghana would strengthen the capacity to transport LPG safely, efficiently, and on a larger scale. “This LPG vessel will strengthen our collective ability to transport LPG safely, efficiently, and at scale,” President Mahama explained. He added: “In doing so, it will help ensure that businesses, industries, and households can depend on modern energy services that support economic growth and improve quality of life.” President Mahama commended the leadership, technical expertise, and strategic foresight demonstrated by Sahara Group, WAGL Energy, and other partners involved in the project. He said their commitment illustrates what can be achieved when innovation, investment, and collaboration come together to bridge infrastructure gaps and unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Africa. The commissioning, he added, also highlights the enduring value of international cooperation and the strength of partnerships between Africa and its global partners, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development. President Mahama expressed hope that MT Asharami Ghana would serve as a symbol of progress and inspire further investment, innovation, and collaboration across Africa’s energy value chain. “Together, we can build the infrastructure, partnerships, and policies necessary to secure a sustainable and prosperous energy future for our continent,” he said.

According to Wale Ajibade, Executive Director of Sahara Group, the vessel reflects Sahara’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that directly improves lives.

“MT Asharami Ghana is more than a vessel; it is part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen LPG supply security and support Ghana’s clean energy ambitions. It secures an additional 25,000 metric tonnes of stock for the Ghanaian economy, alongside the soon-to-be commissioned 6,000- and 12,000-metric-tonne land storage facilities in Tema,” he said.

With the addition of Asharami Ghana, Sahara Group’s LPG carrier fleet now comprises six delivered vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 cubic metres. Supported by partnerships with WAGL Energy, NNPC Limited, and other stakeholders, an additional 270,000 cubic metres of capacity is under construction and due for delivery by September 2028.

The Managing Director of Asharami Ghana, Madam Yaa Serwaa Alifo, stated that expanding LPG storage and distribution capacity aims to improve supply reliability, strengthen market stability, and position Ghana to meet rising demand driven by industrial growth and clean cooking initiatives. She described the vessel commissioning as a strategic investment that strengthens Ghana’s downstream petroleum infrastructure and enhances national energy security. Madam Alifo said the vessel represents confidence in Ghana’s growth, confidence in the regulatory framework, and confidence in the long-term sustainability of the downstream sector. She stated that the investment aligns with President Mahama’s vision of building a resilient and sustainable downstream sector that promotes cleaner energy solutions while ensuring accessibility and security of supply for Ghanaian households and businesses. “Today, we commission not merely an asset at sea, but a stronger foundation for Ghana’s energy future — a decisive step forward in building a resilient, secure, and modern downstream sector,” Madam Alifo said. The Managing Director acknowledged the leadership of the Minister of Energy and the National Petroleum Authority in maintaining regulatory discipline, stating that strong oversight remains essential to sustainable sector growth. She pledged that Sahara Group remains committed to investing responsibly, operating safely, and partnering with stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s energy transformation. Madam Alifo also expressed appreciation to partners and hosts for their technical expertise and collaboration in delivering the project, noting that the achievement is the result of a shared commitment between government, regulators, the private sector, and international partners.

South Africans Face Higher Airfares As Jet Fuel Prices Soar

South Africa travellers are likely to face significantly higher flight prices after jet fuel costs increased by approximately 70% at two of the country’s three major airports. According to a report by SABC News, both Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport in Durban have raised the cost of Jet A1 fuel in response to rising global oil prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. The country’s domestic airline, FlySafair, earlier announced that it would introduce a temporary fuel surcharge on ticket prices as a result. The surcharge is expected to come into effect on Thursday and will apply only to flights departing on or before May 12, 2026. Aviation expert Linden Burns told SABC that South Africans could see airlines implementing a number of measures in the coming weeks to mitigate rising fuel costs. “The other way airlines can mitigate costs would be to try to consolidate flights, reduce the number of flights they operate, and ensure they maximise and fill the aircraft they have rather than flying as often,” Burns said. “That hasn’t happened yet. We’re not seeing airlines moving to those levels because there is still strong demand for air travel. But if the economy takes a serious downturn and conditions worsen, we could start seeing demand for travel — particularly discretionary travel — decline, which may lead airlines to reduce capacity,” he added.

Iran Warns Oil Could Hit $200 Per Barrel As Hormuz Threat Escalates

Oil markets are bracing for an even bigger potential price shock with Iran on Wednesday warning that crude could surge to $200 per barrel if the war involving the U.S. and Israel continues to destabilize the Middle East’s energy corridors. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters, warned the world to “get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel,” arguing that regional security has been destabilized by the ongoing bombing campaign against Iran. The $200 oil price tag warning follows a major Iranian drone strike on Wednesday on Oman’s largest oil storage facility. Tehran also warned that no oil shipments will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz until the attacks stop, placing the world’s most critical oil chokepoint at the center of the escalating conflict. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman normally handles roughly 20% of global oil supply and a large share of LNG trade, making any sustained disruption a major threat to global energy markets. Oil prices have already reacted violently to the growing risk. Brent crude briefly surged to around $120 per barrel earlier this week before retreating toward the $90 range after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the conflict might end soon. Renewed attacks on shipping and infrastructure, however, have quickly revived fears of supply disruptions. Security incidents across the Persian Gulf are continuing to mount. Maritime authorities and ship-tracking firms report a growing number of attacks on commercial vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz, with several ships struck in the latest round of incidents. Tanker movements through the region have already begun slowing as insurers and ship operators reassess the risks of transiting the corridor. Energy analysts say the conflict is increasingly evolving into a direct confrontation over the Middle East’s oil supply network, with strikes now targeting ports, storage terminals, commercial shipping and export routes across the region.