Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Masha Kotkin
Masha Kotkin
Masha Kotkin is a fellow in the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She is an expert in geopolitics, energy economics, and commercial diplomacy in the Middle East. She spent over 10 years at the State Department, most recently as an energy advisor on North Africa. She served in Turkey, Jordan, and on temporary duty in Poland. Before joining the State Department, she worked as a competition economist at EconOne and Nathan Associates.
Amid Iran War Tensions, Energy Market Resilience Wears Thin
Energy security continues to erode as a result of the Iran war—now in its seventh month—with fresh attacks causing more damage to infrastructure and assets in the region. In the past week, new attacks on the East-West Pipeline in Saudi Arabia and Houthi advances near the Bab al-Mandab Strait signal an escalation that could further strain oil markets and challenge the global economy. In the past week, the price of crude oil climbed to $109 per barrel following additional strikes in the region.
Six Charts to Explain the Global Energy Crisis
Prior to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar provided about one-third of the world’s helium, mostly supplying semiconductor manufacturers producing AI-grade chips in Asia. The conflict temporarily shut in helium supply from the Gulf. Russia’s partial ban on helium exports in April put additional pressure on the price and supply of helium. To fill supply gaps, Asia’s chipmakers turned to U.S. natural gas producers to source helium, a byproduct of LNG production.
Not All Oil Is Created Equal
The war with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz through which around 20% of global oil supply previously transited. This curtailment of supply has seen oil (and gas) prices rocket higher despite releases from strategic reserves and efforts by some producers to position additional oil in storage outside of the region ahead of conflict. Oil prices, however, have not all been affected equally over the past month.
The Economic Impact of the Iran Conflict on the Gulf
The Iran conflict is negatively affecting economic growth in the Gulf region. Oil and gas production is being cut back because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This in turn is having a knock-on effect on industries, such as refining and petrochemicals. Imports for domestic consumption and investment are being disrupted because of the inaccessibility of ports on the Gulf coast.
Markets Respond to the Iran Conflict
On February 28, joint U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and set off an unprecedented escalation of the Iran conflict. A swift Iranian retaliation has targeted a wide range of assets, including energy and civilian infrastructure, in neighboring Gulf countries.
Will the U.S.-Iran Conflict Reshape Global Energy Flows and Shipping?
In response to the coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that began February 28, Iran has sought to shift the cost of the conflict by targeting Gulf Arab states, likely to induce its neighbors to press the United States to de-escalate. The strategy may backfire should the Gulf Arab states decide it is more cost effective to more actively support the campaign than endure the risk and cost of sustained missile and drone barrages.
Trump’s Energy Agenda: Gains and Risks for the Gulf
The United States’ (US) domestic energy policy during the first year of Trump’s second term could be considered ambitious and interventionist. However, it remains marked by impermanence. President Trump implements policies by Executive Order rather than passing legislation through Congress, leaving these energy policies vulnerable to reversal by a future administration, or even Trump himself.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Masha
Contact Masha, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack