The Middle East conflict has disrupted hydrogen-based supply chains critical to fertilisers, refining and chemicals, exposing vulnerabilities. While global hydrogen demand exceeded 100 million tonnes in 2025, high costs and infrastructure gaps continue to hinder low-emissions hydrogen growth.
The global oil market could swing into a substantial surplus next year as production recovers sharply following the US-Iran peace agreement and the gradual reopening of Gulf energy routes, according to the latest outlook from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Oil prices declined further on Thursday, following the release of the text of the interim agreement signed by the US and Iran.
Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) hosted an exclusive networking reception in Bahrain, bringing together more than 80 senior business leaders, policymakers, sustainability professionals, advisory committee members, partners and industry experts from Bahrain and across the region.
Oman’s refining and petrochemical sector showed mixed performance in April 2026, with automotive fuel output down 5.8 per cent and diesel falling 3.3 per cent to 23.7 million barrels. Aviation fuel rose 10.9 per cent, while LPG declined 4.9 per cent and polypropylene dropped 25.7 per cent to 76,300 metric tonnes.
King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) signed an agreement with Pan Kingdom Real Estate to develop 168 ready-built industrial units across 214,000 square meters, strengthening energy supply chains, local content, and industrial investment efficiency.
Egypt and the European Union are strengthening their strategic energy partnership with a financing package of up to €690 million ($801 million) to upgrade and expand Egypt’s electricity grid. The funding includes a €600 million loan from EIB Global and up to €90 million in European Commission grants.
Crude oil inventories in the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve dropped to 340.3 million barrels, the lowest level since 1983, according to the Department of Energy. Stocks fell by 8.9 million barrels, marking the third-largest draw on record.
Venezuela’s government and General Electric have signed a memorandum of understanding to modernise the national power grid, officials said. The plan targets 1 GW of added capacity within 24 months and more than 5 GW over four years, as authorities move to urgently formalise the agreement.
Egypt and the UAE have discussed expanding energy cooperation, focusing on increased Emirati investment in petroleum, aviation fuel, and exploration activities, alongside plans to establish a joint working group to advance sector opportunities.
