play_arrow

keyboard_arrow_right

Listeners:

Top listeners:

skip_previous skip_next
00:00 00:00
playlist_play chevron_left
volume_up
  • cover play_arrow

G7 Nations Not Yet Ready To Release Oil Stockpiles

Background

By Alton Wallace | The Center Square

(Worthy News) – G7 finance ministers said Monday they will take “necessary measures” to stabilize energy supplies but added there is no plan yet to release strategic oil stockpiles after prices for the vital commodity surged over the weekend to a 45-month high.

In a teleconference with ministers early Monday, International Energy Administration executive director Fatih Birol said conditions in global oil markets have “deteriorated” as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran entered its 10th day.

Typically, about 20% of the world’s oil supply is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz but vessel traffic through the narrow passage off the Iranian coast has all but halted since the war started. Iran has also attacked oil and gas infrastructure in neighboring countries, scoring hits on the 550,000-barrel-per-day Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia and the Ras Laffan LNG facility in Qatar, causing temporary shutdowns.

Founded in response to the 1973–1974 energy crisis, the IEA consists of 33 member countries that must maintain emergency oil reserves equal to at least 90 days of their net imports.

“IEA member countries currently hold over 1.2 billion barrels of public emergency oil stocks along with 600 million barrels of industry stocks held under government obligation,” Birol said in a statement.

The G7, consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S., together hold strategic oil reserves totaling about 1.1 billion barrels.

In a statement after the meeting, the G7 said it stood “ready to take necessary measures, including to support global supply of energy such as stockpile release.”

The disruption to energy supplies threatens to push up prices for consumers and businesses around the world, potentially cascading into sharply higher costs for food, airline tickets and other consumer goods.

President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Sunday, dismissed recent increases in oil and gas prices as “modest” and added that higher prices are a “very small price to pay” for security. Soon after the U.S. and Israel launched the first missile strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, the president projected the conflict would last 4-5 weeks.

The average U.S. price of regular grade gasoline stood at $3.478 per gallon on Monday, up 4.8 cents or by 16.3% from $2.99 per gallon in the 10 days since the war began. Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude, the primary feedstock for a large share of the gasoline produced in the U,S., has climbed from $65.21 per barrel at the start of the conflict to settle Monday at $94.77, up 45.3% in the 10 -day period.

Trump administration officials huddled over the weekend to discuss the coordination of measures to stabilize energy prices. In an interview on Fox News on Sunday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is taking “immediate steps” to stabilize energy flow.

Leavitt said the recent price spike is a “short-term disruption for the long-term gain” of removing the Iranian regime and ending its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said Monday that the relevant government agencies are working together on the issue because it is a top priority to the president. “President Trump and his entire energy team have had a strong game plan to keep the energy markets stable well before Operation Epic Fury began, and they will continue to review all credible options,” Rogers said.

Reprinted with permission from The Center Square.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.


Latest News from Worthy News

Europe Declines Trump’s Request For Warships To Free Hormuz
Europe Declines Trump’s Request For Warships To Free Hormuz
Monday, March 16, 2026

In an unprecedented rebuke to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, European countries on Monday declined his request to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, which carried about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas until its effective closure by Iran.

Hungary-Ukraine War Of Words Escalates Ahead Of Hungarian Elections (Worthy News Radio)
Hungary-Ukraine War Of Words Escalates Ahead Of Hungarian Elections (Worthy News Radio)
Monday, March 16, 2026

A bitter war of words between Hungary and Ukraine has escalated sharply ahead of Hungary’s crucial April 12 elections, with both sides trading accusations over threats, energy supplies, and alleged political interference.

Suspected Iran-Linked Terror Group Targets Jewish Sites Across Europe
Suspected Iran-Linked Terror Group Targets Jewish Sites Across Europe
Monday, March 16, 2026

A previously unknown terrorist organization with suspected links to Iran has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Jewish targets across Europe, raising alarms among security officials and Jewish communities.

Trump Launches Anti-fraud Task Force, Vance To Lead
Trump Launches Anti-fraud Task Force, Vance To Lead
Monday, March 16, 2026

President Donald Trump launched an anti-fraud task force on Monday, and appointed Vice President JD Vance to lead it.

Israel Launches Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon to Target Hezbollah Infrastructure
Israel Launches Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon to Target Hezbollah Infrastructure
Monday, March 16, 2026

The Israeli military has launched a targeted ground operation in southern Lebanon aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure and strengthening security for communities in northern Israel.

Red States Push to Eliminate Income Taxes as Blue States Move to Raise Taxes on the Wealthy
Red States Push to Eliminate Income Taxes as Blue States Move to Raise Taxes on the Wealthy
Monday, March 16, 2026

A growing divide is emerging across the United States as Republican-led states move to slash or eliminate personal income taxes while Democratic-led states push to raise taxes on high earners.

Russia Tests Internet Shutdown System, Disrupting Life in Moscow
Russia Tests Internet Shutdown System, Disrupting Life in Moscow
Monday, March 16, 2026

Russia is expanding tests of a nationwide system designed to shut down internet access during times of unrest, leaving millions in Moscow temporarily cut off from mobile data and online services, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

WHO WE ARE

The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.

CONTACT