Middle East War May Trigger $300B Surge in Oil Investment

Middle Eastern coverage stresses Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and the sharp drop in Saudi output as central to the crisis. Commentators warn that prolonged disruption could push many import-dependent countries toward hunger and social unrest as fuel and food prices climb. They expect regional producers and Iran’s rivals to seek new export routes and security guarantees, but say any miscalculation in the Gulf could deepen the supply shock.

• •Iran’s ability to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is the main driver of current oil shortages.
• •Saudi oil production falling to its lowest level since 1990 shows how exposed Gulf producers are to the conflict.
• •Sustained high oil and shipping costs risk triggering hunger crises in poorer, import-dependent states.
• •Regional governments will look for alternative export routes and security arrangements to bypass Hormuz.
• •Further clashes in Gulf waters could cut supplies even more sharply and push prices to new highs.