Is the World Heading for an Energy Lockdown? |
Imagine that another Covid-19-like situation once again emerges; would you be able to bear the pain once more? The world is soon going to witness a most severe lockdown, more vulnerable than its predecessor. During the 2019 pandemic, you had all the necessities, but you had to stay away from your loved ones. This time, the case will be opposite. You would be together with your family, but would strive to get them the necessary commodities of daily life.
Today, the world is on the brink of an ‘Energy Lockdown’, which has begun as different states gradually announce strict austerity measures. This situation is the result of the US-Israel joint attacks on Iran, which began on 28th February 2026. The Middle East is burning, and its ashes are so heavy for the international community to handle. One of the biggest concerns among the economic and military experts in the international arena has been the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is now closed, and global transport has become a sitting duck.
What is an Energy Lockdown?
Since the inception of the war against Iran in the Middle East this year, the debate on energy lockdown – a term similar to the 2019 pandemic lockdown – is in the pipeline. With public anxiety mixing with the recent pandemic experience, the term has gained traction following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran conflict, which has cut off about 20% of global oil supplies.
An energy lockdown would not entail closing cities or borders. Instead, it places emphasis on demand-side management through priority allocation of essential resources. It alludes to the possibility that severe shortages and soaring oil and gas prices may compel communities to make radical changes in their energy production and consumption patterns.
As of now, the war in the Middle East has entered a prolonged state of warfare. The world has already witnessed the Russia-Ukraine war, whereby a small Ukrainian state hasn’t bowed down and is inflicting gradual damage to critical Russian infrastructure. The recent Ukrainian attacks on key Russian energy facilities, which halted its 40 percent gasoline exports, are its best manifestation.
Likewise, Iran is determined to engage in attrition warfare whereby the enemy is not defeated through a full-scale attack; rather, gradual tactical strikes would finally compel the rival state to bow down. Both the US and Israel have been continuously targeting key oil and........