The conflict in the Middle East has created the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, due to the near halt in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Some 15 million barrels of crude oil and 5 million barrels of oil products typically traversed the Strait each day, equivalent to around 20% of global oil consumption. These flows have slowed to a trickle. The loss of supply is having significant impacts in global markets, pushing up prices for crude oil above $100/barrel, and leading to much higher prices for some refined products – notably diesel, jet fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Concerns are growing about the impacts of higher prices on households, businesses and the broader economy. The resumption of transit through the Strait of Hormuz is the single most important action to return to stable oil and gas flows and reduce the strains on markets and prices.
In the interim, countries around the world are taking a range of measures to increase supply and to reduce the impact of sharp price rises on consumers. This report “Sheltering from Oil Shocks: Measures to reduce impacts on households and businesses” published by IEA details demand-side options open to households, businesses and governments to shelter themselves from today’s oil shock and relieve the strains on affordability, based on the agency’s energy security expertise as well on specific country examples. Governments can take the lead, both by setting an example and by facilitating these actions, but many can be adopted by individuals and businesses directly. Most of these options relate to consumption of road transport fuels, but they also cover fuel use for air transport, cooking and industry.
Access the report here.