Core argument: Refinery output cuts paired with dwindling available oil cargoes lead to fuel stock depletion despite Western price increases remaining insufficient.
Fifty days into the Iran war, the world has lost 550m barrels of Gulf crude—nearly 2% of last year’s global output. Every month Hormuz stays closed, the world misses out on 7m tonnes of liquefied natural gas (lng), worth 2% of its annual supply. Yet in Western countries, which host the largest futures markets, pain remains limited. Petrol is a bit pricier, but most households can still afford to drive. Trucks keep trucking. Planes continue to fly. Fuel stocks remain close to pre-war levels. This comforting picture is deeply misleading. Three factors are pushing the world towards the cliff edge. Oil cargoes available to buy are drying up. Refineries are slashing output of fuel. And demand remains artificially high [for example] Europe has so far avoided demand destruction. Governments are working hard to preserve people’s purchasing power. Of the 27 European Union countries, 16 are using taxpayer money or cutting fuel taxes to shield consumers from higher prices. European refiners have thus barely slashed production.Global Energy Markets Are On The Verge Of A Disaster
AI Summary. Global energy markets face a critical supply crisis as prolonged closure of a key shipping route has eliminated 550m barrels of Gulf crude and 2% of annual liquefied natural gas supply, while fuel stocks, refinery output, and available oil cargoes are all deteriorating beneath stable surface prices.
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50 days into the Iran war, the world is short ~550mm barrels of Gulf crude – almost 2% of 2025’s global production. Pre-war cargoes are being consumed, suggesting prices will soon rise to bring demand in line with the reduced supply.
Takeaways by Macro Roundup® AI
- Refinery output cuts paired with dwindling available oil cargoes lead to fuel stock depletion despite Western price increases remaining insufficient.
- Global Energy Markets Are On The Verge Of A Disaster.
- Fifty days into the Iran war the world has lost 550m barrels of Gulf crude—nearly 2% of last year’s global.


