Economy
IEA could weigh further oil reserve releases as EU energy costs soar
The IEA says it could consider releasing more emergency oil stocks if supply disruptions worsen, although another release is not currently its top priority. Europe faces a difficult winter after spending more than €100bn extra on energy imports since the Iran war began.
Markets
IEA and OPEC split on oil demand estimates as Hormuz closure drags
The world's two most watched oil forecasters published sharply conflicting views of 2026 on Wednesday, with the IEA deepening its call for the first annual demand decline since the pandemic while OPEC still sees consumption growing, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz drags on.
Economy
Global oil demand set for first annual drop since COVID, IEA says
Global oil consumption is on course to shrink this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Energy Agency has said, as the war between the US and Iran throttled Gulf exports, though the IEA also noted supply increased in June.
Economy
Oil stocks drain at record pace as IEA warns of renewed price swings
The International Energy Agency says the oil market is likely to remain in deficit until the final quarter of the year, as disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz continue to constrain supply, increasing the risk of renewed price volatility.
Markets
Oil steadies as IEA and G7 move to release record reserves
Oil is trading flat in expectation that the International Energy Agency could trigger the largest-ever release of oil reserves, exceeding the 182 million barrels in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The G7 will also meet on Wednesday to discuss using the reserves.