Middle East Energy War. Bangladesh Faces Severe Power Crisis
Published: March 20, 2026
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The military confrontation involving Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran has escalated into a devastating global crisis in its third week. In retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran's largest gas field, Tehran has unleashed an unprecedented wave of attacks across the Middle East.
By targeting seven critical energy facilities in Israel and four neighboring Arab nations, Iran’s aggressive counter-strike has brought the global energy supply chain to the brink of collapse. Consequently, global crude oil prices have skyrocketed by nearly 30%, reaching a staggering $115 per barrel.
Bangladesh and South Asia at High Risk
A CNN report highlights that South Asia will be one of the biggest victims of this escalating conflict. Massive destruction at Qatar's 'Ras Laffan Industrial City' caused by Iranian missiles has triggered warnings of severe power outages and massive industrial disruptions in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
Qatar supplies approximately 20% of the world's Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) demand. Data from 'Kpler' and 'S&P Global' reveals that Pakistan imports 99% of its LNG from Qatar, while Bangladesh relies on it for 70%, and India for over 40%. The disruption at Ras Laffan means an immediate and crippling energy crisis for these nations.
The Spark: Strike on South Pars Gas Field
The conflict took a dangerous turn when Israeli forces bombed Iran's 'South Pars' facility. This colossal reserve, sharing borders with Qatar's North Dome, holds about 1,800 trillion cubic feet of gas—enough to meet global demand for 13 years alone.
Following the strike, an infuriated Tehran declared that any further attacks on its energy sector would result in the complete obliteration of US and allied energy infrastructure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on X (formerly Twitter) that Tehran will show "zero restraint" if its infrastructure is targeted again.
Refineries in Flames Across the Gulf
From Wednesday night to Thursday, Iran launched a massive barrage of drones and missiles. Strikes hit two facilities in Kuwait (Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries), one in Saudi Arabia (Samref refinery in Yanbu), two in the UAE (Habshan and Bab oil fields), and Qatar's Ras Laffan.
In response to the severe damage, Qatar ordered Iranian security and military officials stationed at the embassy to leave the country immediately. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman stated that Tehran had crossed the "ultimate red line."
Widespread Carnage on Day 20
On the 20th day of the war, the US and Israel struck Tehran, Iranian naval targets in the Caspian Sea, and Tabriz, killing four Iranian Taekwondo athletes.
Iran retaliated forcefully. A multi-story building in Tel Aviv was severely damaged by an Iranian missile, and a massive fire broke out at a Haifa oil refinery. Over the last 24 hours, 177 Israelis sought medical treatment for various injuries. Iran-backed Hezbollah has also intensified its rocket and drone strikes on Israeli military positions.
Meanwhile, the UAE claimed to have intercepted 7 missiles and 15 drones, while Saudi Arabia also shot down multiple aerial threats. Citizens in Qatar and Bahrain have been advised to take shelter.
Global Outcry and Diplomatic Warnings
US President Donald Trump claimed Israel's strike on the Iranian gas field was driven by "anger" and warned that South Pars would be "destroyed" if Iran continued its attacks on allied energy sites. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed the military campaign would continue "until the mission is accomplished."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres desperately called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the war is spiraling entirely out of control. At the same time, foreign ministers from 12 nations—including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE—held an emergency meeting in Riyadh, issuing a joint statement demanding Iran immediately halt its strikes on regional energy facilities.
Long-term Economic Fallout
Experts fear Iran has shifted its strategic focus from military targets to crippling the economic backbones of its adversaries. Hamidreza Azizi, a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, noted this paradigm shift in Tehran's warfare tactics.
Theresa Fallon, Director of the Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies, warned the economic scars of this conflict will be felt for years. Adding to the grim forecast, James Meadway, Co-director at Verdant, stated that the disruption of gas production combined with threats to the Strait of Hormuz will cause global fuel prices to surge uncontrollably in the long ru
Joseph
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