Iran conflict causes gas prices to rise at fastest pace since outbreak of Ukraine war

WorldBusiness & Finance
2 Mar 2026 • 11:46 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Gas prices surged globally, with European whole gas prices rising 52%, after Qatar halted liquified natural gas (LNG) production following attacks by Iran.
  • Qatar, a major LNG producer responsible for about one-fifth of global supplies, ceased operations at its facilities after an alleged Iranian drone attack.
  • Oil prices also soared, with Brent crude increasing by up to 13%, amid an intensifying conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces in the Middle East.
  • Global financial markets, including London's FTSE 100, faltered due to fears of energy supply disruption, with Iran reportedly warning tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The escalating conflict saw Israel strike Beirut and US/Israel hit targets in Iran, leading to a dip in the pound and falls in travel stocks, while defence and energy stocks gained.

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