AIE warns: The oil crisis will be felt more acutely in Europe in April. Energy rationing is becoming inevitable.

The Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, warned that the energy crisis generated by the conflict in the Middle East will worsen in April, following attacks on Iranian energy facilities and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.

Birol explained that, in March, there were still oil and gas deliveries from the Middle East, but in April a total halt is expected, which could lead to losses of 12 million barrels per day, equivalent to two oil crises. This situation could impose energy rationing measures in several countries.

Birol emphasized that the impact is not limited to oil and gas, but also affects other essential raw materials, such as petrochemicals and fertilizers.

The IEA announced the release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves, but Birol warned that this is not the final solution. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is essential to restore global supply, considering that approximately 20 million barrels pass through this corridor daily.

Birol stated that this crisis represents the greatest threat to global energy security in history, with increased pressures on Asia and possible severe effects on Europe and the United States in the coming months.