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

Saudi-Iran Rivalry Keeps Oil Prices Down

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

Saudi-Iran Rivalry Keeps Oil Prices Down

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

Saudi-Iran Rivalry Keeps Oil Prices Down

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

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

Energy sector diversification: Meeting demographic challenges in the MENA region

By
Bina Hussein

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to experience significant demographic growth by 2050, growth which will have to be met with commensurate economic expansion and job opportunities, or the region will risk an increase in political instability. To meet this challenge, countries in the region must diversify their economies beyond the energy sector and expand their energy sector beyond hydrocarbons. What are the key trends that MENA countries will have to contend with, what is already being done, and what further steps should be taken?


Energy Markets & Governance

Energy Transitions


Issue Brief

Jan 9, 2020

Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Bangladesh

By
Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

As the South and Southeast Asian region faces increasing energy demand due to both population and economic growth, countries like Bangladesh must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Bangladesh seeking to diversify its energy mix and establish more local and decarbonized power systems, and what are key opportunities for future government and foreign investment?


Bangladesh

Climate Change & Climate Action


Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Pakistan

By
Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

As the South and Southeast Asian region faces increasing energy demand due to both population and economic growth, countries like Pakistan must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Pakistan seeking to diversify its energy mix and establish more local and decarbonized power systems, and what are key opportunities for future government and foreign investment?


Climate Change & Climate Action

Energy Markets & Governance

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Content

New Atlanticist

Feb 18, 2016

Saudi-Iran Rivalry Keeps Oil Prices Down

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Gulf states seen eager to put ‘fiscal squeeze’ on Iran The regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran—the two main producers in a global oil cartel—has become a significant factor behind the sharp decline in oil prices that has also kept rates at historic lows. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil-producing countries have watched with […]

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Feb 14, 2016

Shaffer Joins NARUC to Discuss Israel’s Energy Regulatory Environment

By Brenda Shaffer

Read the full article here.

Energy & Environment Israel

EconoGraphics

Jan 21, 2016

Feeling the Oil Crunch

By Global Business and Economics

Oil prices have fallen to their lowest since 2003, sitting under $30 a barrel in recent days. Declining expectations of global growth plus the addition of post-sanction Iranian supply don’t spell a substantial price recovery in the immediate future. Under this new market realities, oil-exporting countries come in different form to weather the storm.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Report

Jan 20, 2016

Surging liquefied natural gas trade: How US exports will benefit European and global gas supply diversity, competition, and security

By Bud Coote

The EU's move toward a freer energy market and a global shift toward gas by climate-conscious consumers are likely to help fuel growing demand for US liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the coming years

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Jan 11, 2016

Nigeria’s oil revenue crunch

By Aaron Sayne and Aubrey Hruby

As oil prices fall to their lowest in decades, Nigeria's oil revenue has plummeted nearly $2 billion since the start of 2014. What is the impact of falling oil prices and increased competition on the economy and stability in Nigeria?

Africa Corruption

Report

Dec 16, 2015

Diversifying African Trade: The road to progress

By Aubrey Hruby

As World Trade Organization members meet in Nairobi, Kenya, for their 2015 Ministerial, the potential economic impact of African trade—for Africa, but also the rest of the world—has never been more relevant. Home to thirty-three of the world’s least developed countries and only responsible for 3 percent of global trade, Africa stands to reap enormous […]

Africa East Africa

Issue Brief

Nov 24, 2015

Nordstream 2: Too many obstacles, legal, economic, and political to be delivered?

By Alan Riley

While Nordstream 2 may once have seemed a politically and economically viable project, the Ukraine crisis has so altered the landscape that Gazprom may have taken on a project that is undeliverable.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Report

Nov 16, 2015

Iran’s energy policy after the nuclear deal

By Sara Vakhshouri

Following the lifting of sanctions on Iran's all-important gas and oil sector, Tehran will seek to develop an "economy of resistance" by building out commercial relationships that increase other states' reliance on it.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Oct 13, 2015

Crude oil for natural gas: Prospects for Iran-Saudi reconciliation

By Jean-Francois Seznec

Despite the sectarian barbs traded between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Iran's unique ability to meet the kingdom's fast growing demand for electricity may help spur a reconciliation, and the two dominant energy producers do not necessarily need to see their energy production as competition.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Sep 10, 2015

Energy sanctions and Russia: What comes next?

By Adnan Vatansever

The West has responded to the Kremlin's increasingly bellicose policy in the former Soviet space by imposing punitive measures against Russia's energy sector. The immediate impact of such measures appears limited as neither oil nor gas flowing from Russia is expected to suffer right away. However, the sanctions' long-term implications may prove more important.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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Experts

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

Fellow

Mamadou Fall Kane

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Energy & Environment
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Events

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