UN chief warns Middle East conflict has triggered ‘mother of all energy shocks’

Published June 23, 2026 Updated June 23, 2026 02:28pm

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says conflict in the Middle East has unleashed the “mother of all energy shocks”.

“For many developing countries, this is not just an energy crisis. It’s a debt, food & development shock,” he said in a post on X.

“Any peace agreement would bring much needed relief, but the impacts are likely to be long-lasting,” he added.