Attacks on Five Energy Centers Today Trigger 35% Surge in Natural Gas Prices
News Summary
Prepared after editorial review.
- In retaliation for Israeli attacks, Iran is escalating pressure by assaulting energy centers in Gulf countries.
- Four people have died in Iranian missile attacks in Israel, including three Palestinian women and one foreign national.
- Following attacks on Gulf energy facilities, natural gas prices in Europe surged by 35%.
March 19, Kathmandu – In response to the Israeli strike on its South Pars gas field, Iran has launched attacks on energy centers across various Gulf countries, heightening pressure on those states.
On the 20th day of the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, these assaults on energy infrastructure have intensified global tensions.
Both sides are accelerating their attacks. According to international media reports, Iranian missile strikes have claimed four lives in Israel, including three Palestinian women and one foreign citizen.
The missile debris reportedly struck a women’s beauty parlor late Wednesday night.
Additionally, a Thai national was killed in Central Israel. The incident occurred in the Sharon area north of Tel Aviv when an Iranian missile struck. According to Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, the deceased was a 20-year-old agricultural worker.
Meanwhile, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi criticized the United States for mishandling its foreign policy.
He stated that a potential agreement between the US and Iran was derailed due to attacks by Israel and the US, which worsened the situation.
While acknowledging that Iran’s retaliatory strikes were wrong, he said the circumstances made them unavoidable.
He called US interference in the war the biggest mistake, adding, “This was not America’s war, and it will gain no benefit from it.”
Natural Gas Prices Jump 35%
Following the intense attacks on energy centers across the Gulf, natural gas prices in Europe surged by 35% today. Reuters reports that since Iran initiated the conflict on February 28, European gas prices have risen by over 60%.
Meanwhile, the global benchmark Brent crude oil price climbed to $112 per barrel today, marking an increase of more than 48% since the war began. Since March 13, crude oil prices have not fallen below $100 per barrel.
With the conflict escalating in the Middle East, uncertainty continues to grow regarding the impact on energy supplies.
Qatar reported significant damage to its main gas facility, the Ras Laffan Industrial City, caused by Iranian missiles. Similarly, Kuwaiti state media confirmed attacks on two oil refineries in the country.
The energy facilities attacked on the 20th day of the war are as follows:
1. Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar
On Thursday morning, Qatar reported extensive damage to its main gas center, Ras Laffan Industrial City, following missile attacks launched by Iran.
2. Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery, Kuwait
According to Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, a drone strike caused a fire in one of the operating units at the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, located approximately 50 kilometers south of Kuwait City. No human casualties have been reported.
3. Mina Abdullah Refinery, Kuwait
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation also confirmed a drone attack and consequent fire at the Mina Abdullah refinery in southern Kuwait.
4. Hubsan Gas Facility and Bab Oilfield, UAE
UAE officials stated that missile debris falling from the sky affected the Hubsan gas facility and Bab oilfield. They have initiated investigations and countermeasures. So far, no reports of human casualties have emerged.
5. Samref Refinery, Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense reported a drone crash at the Saudi Aramco Samref Refinery located in the Yanbu port area. Damage assessments are currently underway.
(With agency contributions)