Qatar has signaled that major energy producers in the Gulf region may soon suspend exports, potentially driving oil prices up to $150 per barrel, Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times on Friday.

Kaabi indicated that exporters who have not yet declared force majeure are expected to do so in the coming days if current conditions persist, effectively pausing deliveries from the region.

Market analysts warn that such a move could trigger widespread economic disruptions. One expert told ProPakistani that a halt in Gulf exports could create severe supply shortages, pushing oil to $150 within weeks and sparking a global inflationary wave. The Gulf region has long been considered a reliable source of crude and LNG, and any interruption would upend assumptions about energy stability, permanently increasing the geopolitical risk premium.

Another source described Qatar’s announcement as a strategic maneuver to pressure the United States. While it could have long-term repercussions for Qatar, the source said Western buyers may face greater impacts than Asian markets.

The warning comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, highlighting the potential for significant disruptions to global energy markets and supply chains.