Middle East takes control of oil supply chain
The region, known for its crude output, has gone from product importer to exporter, easing supply worries in Europe and creating a supply glut in Asia and elsewhere
The Middle Eastern refining sector has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with a notable impact not only on refined product output in the region and elsewhere but also on the quality of crude oil supply available globally. The Middle East's growing role in global refining has helped Europe mitigate the impact of the West's ban on Russian oil imports. However, the region's increasing supply of refined products is exerting downward pressure on diesel cracks now, particularly in Asia but also in other markets worldwide. The Middle East was a refined product importer only a few decades ago, despite being the largest exporter of crude oil. This has changed in recent years. Th
Also in this section
18 February 2026
With Texas LNG approaching financial close, Alaska LNG advancing towards a phased buildout and Magnolia LNG positioned for future optionality, Glenfarne CEO Brendan Duval says the coming year will demonstrate how the company’s more focused, owner-operator approach is reshaping LNG infrastructure development in the North America
18 February 2026
The global gas industry is no longer on the backfoot, hesitantly justifying the value of its product, but has greater confidence in gas remaining a core part of the global energy mix for decades
18 February 2026
With marketable supply unlikely to grow significantly and limited scope for pipeline imports, Brazil is expected to continue relying on LNG to cover supply shortfalls, Ieda Gomes, senior adviser of Brazilian thinktank FGV Energia,
tells Petroleum Economist
17 February 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 26–30 April 2026, will bring together leaders from the political, industrial, financial and technology sectors under the unifying theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All”






