Global energy crisis and geopolitical shifts: The impact of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and new alliances in the Americas

 

The week of March 2-8, 2026 has been marked by the blocking of Strait of Hormuz after the attacks Irán against oil tankers and facilities of CatarThis has led to a sharp rise in energy prices and a reconfiguration of global strategic alliances.

 

Global energy chaos and paralysis in the Gulf

 

The conflict between Estados Unidos, Israel e Irán has materialized the most feared scenario for foreign trade: the interruption of navigation through the Strait of HormuzThis route is essential for the transport of hydrocarbons, and its closure has forced countries such as Irak y Kuwait to cut its production in the face of the collapse of its storage infrastructure.

 

The impact on the markets has been immediate. The price of barrel of Brent It has surged 50%, reaching peaks of $120/b during the day. Meanwhile, the benchmark gas in Europe (Dutch TTF) has risen by 61% due to the halt in liquefied natural gas exports since Catar.

 

Energy Indicator	Value / Variation
Weekly increase in Brent barrel	+50% (closing price ~$105/b)
Gas Increase Dutch TTF	+61% (€61/MWh)
Production cuts Irak	1,5 million b/d
Production cuts Kuwait	100.000 b/d

 

Latin America: The "Shield of the Americas" and the Cuban opening

 

At the regional level, Donald Trump has opened in Miami the top "Shield of the Americas"bringing together leaders such as Javier Milei, Nayib Bukele y Daniel NoboaThe forum seeks to consolidate a bloc against drug trafficking and expel the technological influence of China (especially 5G networks) in exchange for economic incentives from EXIM Bank to encourage nearshoring.

 

Simultaneously, Cuba It has taken a historic step by authorizing joint ventures between the State and private capital, pressured by an economic collapse that meant a 5% drop in GDP in 2025. This reform seeks to sustain minimum activity in non-strategic sectors in the face of the island's energy deterioration.

 

Asia and Europe: Protectionism and financial instability

 

The earthquake in the Middle East has shaken Asian stock markets, with declines of 6% in the KOSPI de Corea del Sur. In this context, China has set its most conservative growth target in decades (4,5%-5%) to prioritize the quality of development. On the other hand, Comisión Europea has presented the Industrial Acceleration Law to raise the weight of manufacturing to 20% of GDP by 2035, prioritizing the «Made in Europe» in public contracts for steel, aluminum and clean technologies.

 

• Philippines: Institutional crisis due to the possible impeachment a Sara Duterte and espionage scandals linked to Pekín.
• India: EE.UU. has issued a temporary exemption for Indian refineries to import Russian crude oil stranded at sea.
• Mercosur: Brasil ratifies the agreement with the Unión Europea, leaving Paraguay as the last remaining partner.

 

Source: Cesce

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the global crisis

 

1. Why has the price of oil risen so much this week?

Mainly due to the blockade of Strait of Hormuz, a vital route through which 83% of the crude oil destined for flows AsiaThe attacks of Teherán They have disrupted traffic, raising the price of Brent crude to nearly $120/b.

 

2. What is the EU Industrial Acceleration Act?

It is a proposal from Comisión Europea to encourage «Made in Europe», establishing quotas for European origin (such as 25% in steel) and restricting foreign investment in critical sectors if the country of origin dominates more than 40% of global capacity.

 

3. What are the implications of Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment in Iran?

The rise of the son of Ali Jamenei , the Supreme Leader It strengthens the regime's most conservative wing and its link with the Revolutionary Guardhindering any possibility of agreement or truce with the administration of Donald Trump.