Beyond the Strait: The Future of Global Energy Security

Tensions in the Gulf and repeated disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have highlighted global energy markets’ vulnerability to geopolitical risk. While some energy products have continued to flow, heightened security concerns, shipping disruptions, insurance costs, and market volatility have underscored the strategic importance of one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Meanwhile, emerging energy, trade, and logistics corridors, including new pipeline infrastructure, alternative maritime routes, and connectivity initiatives, across the Gulf and wider Middle East are set to reshape regional energy security and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz as the region’s sole strategic energy chokepoint. 

What is the current state of global energy markets? What is the outlook for oil and gas prices going into the second half of 2026? What has the conflict in the Gulf taught regional suppliers and global consumers and investors about the resilience of oil and gas supply chains? How are Gulf producers adapting to an increasingly uncertain security environment? What role did strategic reserves, spare production capacity, and decreased demand from countries such as China play in mitigating some aspects of this crisis? And how are recurring supply shocks likely to reshape the regional and global energy landscape? 

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