Oil & Gas

Oil & Gas

Even in a more carbon-conscious world, oil and gas will continue to play a significant role in the global energy system. From petrochemicals to power generation, oil and gas technologies will be a central player in the “dual challenge” of meeting increased energy demand and the need for low-carbon energy, making oil and gas still critical for international trade, investment, and geopolitics.

Recent analysis

The risks of the strategic petroleum reserve’s four-decade low

Dispatches Mar 17, 2026

How the Iran war could trigger a European energy crisis

By Lisa Basquel

Refilling Europe’s depleted gas storage—already a difficult task given the continent’s efforts to stop purchasing Russian gas—is even more difficult now with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed.
Conflict Economy & Business
The risks of the strategic petroleum reserve’s four-decade low

Dispatches Mar 12, 2026

Energy under attack: What the Gulf can learn from Ukraine and Iraq

By Matthew Keating

In their successes and shortcomings, Iraq and Ukraine are cases worth studying by countries currently under attack from Iran.
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
The risks of the strategic petroleum reserve’s four-decade low

Dispatches Mar 5, 2026

What a Middle East oil and LNG crisis means for China and East Asia

By Joseph Webster, Reid I’Anson, and Kevin Li

China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan would each be affected by a collapse in energy through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed.
China Conflict

Programs

The Global Energy Center develops and promotes pragmatic and nonpartisan policy solutions designed to advance global energy security, enhance economic opportunity, and accelerate pathways to net-zero emissions.

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Events

Event Recap

Apr 14, 2026

The IEA’s Fatih Birol: Oil prices will soon begin ‘reflecting the severity’ of the energy crisis

By Katherine Golden

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, Birol argued that oil prices, while high, are “not reflecting the severity of the problem” posed by the Iran war’s damage to infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
Flagship Event Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 Global Energy Forum

The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition. 
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals
Online Event Tue, July 29, 2025 • 6:30 am ET

One year later: Venezuela’s presidential election and the road ahead
Americas Civil Society Corruption Democratic Transitions
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Content

Issue Brief

Oct 2, 2026

The risks of the strategic petroleum reserve’s four-decade low

By Jamie Webster and Morgan D. Bazilian

The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve has reached a historic low. As oil markets continue to tighten, refilling the reserve will become increasingly difficult.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

Sep 30, 2026

Ukraine can play a key role enabling US energy exports to Europe

By Stephen Blank

As Russia expands the bombardment of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, changes are taking place in the country's energy sector with implications for the United States and the future shape of European gas markets, writes Stephen Blank.

Conflict European Union

Issue Brief

Sep 24, 2026

The Saudi economy can hold out through year’s end—even if oil exports drop to zero

By Khalid Azim

First the Strait of Hormuz closed, so Saudi Arabia started sending more oil over land through its East-West Pipeline. Then drone strikes damaged the pipeline, and the Iran-backed Houthis fired missiles near the pipeline’s Red Sea terminus. Does Saudi Arabia need to plan for a near term without meaningful oil exports?

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

UkraineAlert

Sep 23, 2026

Putin’s Ukraine invasion has made Russia China’s junior partner

By Zahar Hryniv

Putin’s evident inability to secure Beijing’s backing for the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline is strengthening international perceptions that the invasion of Ukraine has reduced Russia to the status of China’s junior partner, writes Zahar Hryniv.

China Conflict

Dispatches

Sep 22, 2026

A diesel export ban could disrupt US supply chains

By Joseph Webster, Reid I’Anson, Theo Aldrighi, and Priscila Putzulu

There are second- and third-order consequences of a ban to consider, including what it would mean for Latin American countries.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

MENASource

Sep 15, 2026

Can oil deals reset US-Iraqi relations? 

By Yesar Al-Maleki

Iraq has a short window of time to rein in its militias and create favorable commercial conditions to improve ties with the US.

Energy & Environment Iraq

EnergySource

Sep 9, 2026

No quick fixes for the squeeze on refined products

By Ben Cahill

US prices for refined products such as gasoline and diesel are soaring, underscoring the need for long-term planning mechanisms and safeguards to ensure reliable supply.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

Sep 8, 2026

Ukrainian drone strikes are disarming Russia’s energy weapon

By Ana Lejava

For years, Russia wielded its energy capacity as a weapon against its neighbors to manipulate, coerce, and control. Ukraine’s strategic bombing campaign is now turning this energy weapon against Moscow itself, writes Ana Lejava.

Central Asia Conflict

EnergySource

Sep 2, 2026

The diesel shock is here. Which US states will be hit the hardest?

By Joseph Webster and Theo Aldrighi

Learn how the Strait of Hormuz closure is affecting states' supply and price of distillate fuel oil.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Sep 1, 2026

Four questions on the US-Venezuelan oil deal

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

The impact of the "historic" oil deal between the US and Venezuela will remain uncertain until several unresolved issues are addressed.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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Experts

Fellow

Alhussain Abdalla

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Arabic

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Reed Blakemore

Director, Research and Programs

Global Energy Center

Geopolitics & Energy Security Energy Transitions

Fellow

Ben Cahill

Nonresident senior fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Fellow

Neil Ford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Agnia Grigas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Eastern Europe Energy Markets & Governance
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