Fatih Birol is the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, a Turkish economist and energy expert. Known for his central role in shaping global energy policy, advocating clean energy transitions, and monitoring geopolitical risks to energy supply. Recently, Birol has warned of historic threats to global energy security tied to Middle East conflict and proposed infrastructure alternatives to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. Last updated Jul 4th, 2026
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol proposed building a new oil pipeline from Iraq's Basra fields to Türkiye's Ceyhan terminal to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Birol: "I believe a Basra-Ceyhan pipeline could be extremely attractive and a very important project for both Iraq and Türkiye, as well as for regional supply security, especially from Europe's perspective. Now is exactly the right time."
IEA chief Fatih Birol: Europe has roughly six weeks of jet fuel left. Supply disruptions from the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz blockages could force flight cancellations. He called it "the largest energy crisis we have ever faced." - AP
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