The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Friday outlined ten measures aimed at easing pressure on global oil prices and supplies, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt energy markets. From increased telecommuting to reduced highway speeds and fewer business flights, the recommendations signal a growing urgency to curb demand as geopolitical tensions escalate. The agency’s proposals are designed to “alleviate the economic impacts for consumers” facing higher energy costs, according to the IEA report.
The call for collective action comes as the region grapples with a widening conflict, now directly impacting hydrocarbon production sites. Recent Iranian strikes have caused “considerable damage” to Qatar’s Ras Laffan, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices surged more than 6% in the morning following the attacks, although European gas prices experienced an even more dramatic spike of 35% before stabilizing at over 28%.
The IEA believes a widespread adoption of its suggested measures – where feasible – could significantly mitigate the impact of disruptions, particularly those stemming from potential blockades of the Strait of Hormuz and the broader instability in the Middle East. The agency, tasked with ensuring the security of energy supplies, is urging governments, businesses, and individuals to play a role in reducing hydrocarbon demand.
Reducing Demand: A Multifaceted Approach
The IEA’s recommendations span a range of actions, starting with a push for increased telecommuting. Beyond remote work, the agency suggests lowering highway speed limits by at least 10 kilometers per hour and encouraging greater use of public transportation. These measures aim to reduce fuel consumption directly. The agency also proposes traffic calming measures, such as alternating traffic flow in major cities, to alleviate congestion and improve fuel efficiency.
Other suggestions include promoting carpooling, adopting “efficient” driving habits, and avoiding the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for transportation. A significant focus is placed on reducing air travel, with the IEA specifically highlighting the potential for quickly easing pressure on aviation fuel markets by curtailing non-essential business trips. “Reducing business travel can rapidly alleviate pressure on aviation fuel markets,” the agency stated.
The IEA also looks to household energy consumption, advocating for the use of electricity over gas for cooking whenever possible. Finally, the organization calls on industry to optimize its hydrocarbon consumption, seeking efficiencies in energy use across various sectors.
Global Response to Rising Energy Concerns
The IEA’s call to action follows a previous announcement on March 11th, where its 32 member countries agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from their strategic reserves. This move was intended to compensate for supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict. As of January 2026, public oil stocks held by IEA countries totaled 1.2 billion barrels, which can be released through auctions, loan agreements, or direct sales to refiners. An additional 600 million barrels are held by the industrial sector under government obligations, potentially available during crises by temporarily lowering storage thresholds.
The situation is further complicated by the expansion of the conflict to directly target energy infrastructure. The attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility and the South Pars/North Dome gas field – shared by Iran and Qatar – represent a significant escalation, moving beyond attacks on storage and transport to directly threaten production. This has triggered widespread concern about a potential major economic crisis.
Senegal’s Role and Broader Cooperation
The IEA’s efforts to bolster energy security are also expanding its membership. Senegal joined the agency as an associate country on June 21, 2023, alongside Kenya, fostering closer cooperation on strategic issues like energy security. This reflects a growing recognition of the need for international collaboration to address global energy challenges.
Looking ahead, the IEA will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East and assess the effectiveness of its proposed measures. The agency is expected to provide further updates as the crisis evolves, and governments will be closely watching market developments to determine the need for additional interventions. The next key indicator will be the extent to which IEA member nations implement the recommended demand-reduction strategies in the coming weeks and months.
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