Energy has been a top topic in recent weeks, both globally and in Croatia. The reason is the war in the Middle East and its global consequences for energy markets. This was precisely the topic of a conversation with Dražen Jakšić, CEO of the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar, published in Poslovni dnevnik.
Regarding the current global energy situation following the outbreak of war in Iran, Jakšić commented that it is serious and becoming increasingly evident day by day. “Markets react very quickly to developments on the ground, both oil and gas markets. Supply disruptions lead to price increases, which is expected and logical given the reduction in available supply while demand remains unchanged. The key variable becomes time—the question of all questions is how long the conflict will last. The duration of the conflict will largely determine price movements in the markets,” said the Institute’s CEO.
As for the impact on Europe, he noted that Europe imports around 15% of its LNG from the Gulf region, with Italy being the most exposed, as it imports a significant share of its gas from Qatar. “Southeast Asia actually bears the greatest burden, especially countries such as China, Japan, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, which directly source energy commodities from the Persian Gulf. These countries are seeking alternative routes, which increases pressure on global oil and gas markets. Therefore, regardless of the limited physical imports through the Strait of Hormuz, such developments inevitably affect Europe as well, since disruptions in oil and gas supply raise global energy prices—and consequently, the prices of everything else,” Jakšić emphasized.
The interview also covered topics such as blue diesel, energy storage, nuclear energy, challenges in educating professionals, and other current issues.
You can read the full interview at the following link: https://www.poslovni.hr/hrvatska/stednja-energije-je-imperativ-u-sadasnjoj-situaciji-4529419
