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IEA Warns of Largest-Ever Energy Crisis: Strait of Hormuz Choke Cuts 20% of Global Oil, Brent Crude Spikes to $120/Barrel

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
25 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:20 million barrels per day140 billion cubic metres (bcm)$120 per barrel1974
Bodies:International Energy Agency (IEA)
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.The International Energy Agency (IEA) declares the West Asia war impact as the biggest oil disruption in history, exceeding the 1973 Arab embargo and 1979 Iranian Revolution combined.

2.The Strait of Hormuz choke has halted over 20 million barrels per day (20% of global oil supply) and cut LNG supplies by 140 billion cubic metres, causing Brent crude to surge above $120 a barrel.

3.For exam perspective, this news anchors static GK on global energy chokepoints, IEA's mandate, and the economic impact of geopolitical crises, a frequent UPSC and Banking question area.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has declared the West Asia war's energy disruption as the worst in history, surpassing the 1970s oil shocks and the Ukraine war. The chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has halted over 20 million barrels of oil per day (20% of global supply) and cut LNG supplies by 140 bcm, causing Brent crude prices to spike above $120 per barrel. This is a critical case study for GS Paper III (Economy) and international affairs.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Global Oil Supply Disruption20 million barrels per day (approx. 20% of consumption)
LNG Supply Cut140 billion cubic metres (bcm)
Peak Brent Crude Price$120 per barrel
IEA Establishment Year1974

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Global Oil Supply Disruption: 20 million barrels per day (approx. 20% of consumption)
  • ›LNG Supply Cut: 140 billion cubic metres (bcm)
  • ›Target this Data: 20 million barrels per day (oil disruption) and 140 bcm (LNG cut).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: International Energy Agency (IEA).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: IEA was established in 1974 after the 1973 oil crisis.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

The International Energy Agency (IEA), which declared the current energy crisis the largest ever, was established after which major historical event?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the energy supply disruption as per the article:

1. The current disruption exceeds the combined oil supply shortage of the 1973 Arab embargo and the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

2. The liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply cut in the current crisis is less severe than the shortfall following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

3. The Strait of Hormuz is the critical chokepoint where transit has been halted, affecting over 20 million barrels of oil per day.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) assessment mentioned in the article, approximately what percentage of global petroleum consumption has been disrupted due to the halt in oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is a primary immediate economic implication of the energy supply disruption described in the news article?

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