'World faces greatest ever energy threat from Iran war,' IEA warns six-month oil disruption

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Friday issued a stark warning that the ongoing conflict involving Iran could trigger the largest disruption in the history of the global oil market, potentially taking six months to restore normal flows of oil and gas from the Gulf.

Fatih Birol, the agency’s executive director, said that both policymakers and markets were underestimating the severity of the crisis, which could drive up energy prices and strain supply chains worldwide, according to the Financial Times.

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The IEA emphasised that relying on supply-side measures alone will be insufficient to stabilise markets. In a detailed advisory, the agency outlined a series of demand-side actions that can be implemented immediately to ease pressure on consumers and support energy security.

Immediate steps to reduce oil and gas demand

Among the 10 measures recommended by the IEA, working from home wherever possible tops the list. By reducing commuting, significant amounts of oil used in transportation could be saved, particularly in countries where remote work is feasible.

Slower highway speeds are also recommended, with the agency suggesting reductions of at least 10 km/h. Lower speeds can reduce fuel consumption for cars, vans, and trucks. Cities are encouraged to adopt alternate-day private car access based on license plate numbers, a move that could reduce both congestion and fuel-intensive driving.

Public transport is another focus area. The IEA urged governments and companies to promote buses, trains, and shared mobility, highlighting that a shift from private cars can quickly lower oil demand. Car sharing and more efficient driving practices are also included, both for individual drivers and commercial transport vehicles. Measures such as vehicle maintenance, load optimization, and eco-driving could reduce diesel and gasoline consumption across the board.

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Reducing industrial and household energy use

The IEA also pointed to industrial and household actions to curb energy use. Petrochemical feedstocks and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) should be managed to prioritise essential uses such as cooking, while industries implement short-term efficiency and maintenance measures to lower oil consumption. Household energy practices, including switching to electric cooking or other modern alternatives, can further relieve pressure on LPG supplies.

Air travel is another area where demand reduction can make a swift impact. Where alternatives such as rail exist, avoiding business or leisure flights can ease stress on jet fuel markets, the agency noted.

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Collective action urged

The IEA stressed that no single measure will solve the crisis, but that coordinated efforts across households, transport, industry, and government policy can significantly mitigate the impact. Even partial adoption of these measures could help stabilise the market, prevent extreme price spikes, and support energy security during the months it may take to restore Gulf oil and gas flows.

With the risk of prolonged disruption looming, the agency’s recommendations underline the importance of immediate, collective action—combining efficiency, behavioral changes, and industrial adjustments—to manage what it has described as the “largest supply disruption in the history of the oil market.”