Saudi Arabia Warns Oil Prices Could Spike Past $180 a Barrel if Iran War Rages On

Global energy markets are facing extreme volatility as Saudi officials warn oil prices could surge past $180 per barrel if disruptions from the Iran war persist beyond April. The warning comes amid ongoing attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and reduced tanker traffic through key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant share of global oil supply. Prices have already surged above $100 per barrel, with earlier spikes nearing $120 as markets react to supply fears and escalating military strikes. Analysts caution that while higher prices may boost producer revenues in the short term, sustained increases risk triggering global inflation, reduced demand, and a potential economic slowdown. As a result, the current energy shock is increasingly viewed not just as a regional disruption, but as a major threat to global economic stability.