Riyadh, October 12, 2026 : HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy President and CEO Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi called for a new world energy order in which energy is kept above politics and is never made a victim or target of conflict.
Remarks Delivered at 17th IEF Ministerial
His Excellency made the call during the 17th International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh, held under the theme “Energy Security – A Shared Responsibility: Market Fundamentals, Supply Chain Resilience, and the New Dynamics of Demand and Supply.” The meeting brought together energy ministers, invited government representatives, industry leaders, and international organizations.
Qatar Expresses Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
Opening his remarks, Al Kaabi expressed the State of Qatar’s “unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and people during these times.” He also offered his condolences to the families of those killed in what he called “these horrible attacks,” and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Minister Describes “Worst Energy Crisis” Ever
Al Kaabi said the conflict in the region has caused what is, “by far, the world’s worst energy crisis,” affecting the flow of around 20 percent of the world’s hydrocarbon supplies. He added that many energy assets across the region have been targeted, causing tens of billions of dollars in damage and severe volatility in global markets.
Energy Security Inseparable from Geopolitical Security
“If there is one lesson we have learned from the past few months, it is that energy security, as critical as it is to the global economy, remains highly vulnerable and inseparable from geopolitical security,” Al Kaabi said.
Wider Human Impact Highlighted
His Excellency also highlighted the wider human consequences, noting that a billion people still lack access to electricity and that roughly four billion people depend on food produced using manufactured fertilizers. He said the impact on all those lives “should remind us of our shared responsibility to safeguard energy security, protect the free flow of energy, and keep energy above politics and conflicts.”
Call to Protect Energy Infrastructure in Conflict
Al Kaabi called on the Forum to explore every possible avenue to protect energy infrastructure during times of conflict. “It is a real problem that energy infrastructure has become both an economic asset and a strategic military target,” he said. “Energy security must unite us, not divide us. It must be protected, not weaponized.”
Source: QNA
